On this day, 39 years ago, January 19th, 1986, the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday was first observed as a national holiday in the United States. Establishing it as a federal holiday was not an easy task, considering it took almost 20 years after his death on April 4th, 1968. There are only three federal holidays honoring specific individuals. MLK Day, Presidents’ Day’, and Columbus Day.
The idea to honor Dr. King, came immediately after his passing. Former Rep. John Conyers of Michigan proposed a bill to Congress four days after he was killed on April 8th, 1968. However, segregation and racial division were still happening, therefore majority of people did not agree. Many people were against honoring Dr. King with his own holiday saying he was “too radical.”
Connecticut was the first state to create a Dr. King holiday, originally celebrated on the second Sunday of January, it did not become a legal holiday in the state until 1976, his birthday January 15th was recognized as a paid King holiday. Illinois was the first state to legally recognize a MLK holiday in 1973. 15 years after his death President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law, officially establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. By 1986, the first MLK Day celebration was finally held. It was not until the year 2000 that all 50 states, official recognized MLK Day.
Arizona, New Hampshire, and South Carolina chose not initially to celebrate the holiday. In 1986, Gov. Evan Mecham of Arizona canceled the holiday due to legal technicalities. There was a lot of backlash behind this decision, the NFL even decided to move the 1993 Superbowl out of Phoenix. New Hampshire refused to observe the holiday under its correct name, instead they called it “Civil Rights Day”, they officially began calling it MLK Day in 1999. In 2000, South Carolina decided to recognize MLK Day as a paid holiday, becoming the last state to do so. Before 2000, state employees had the option on which holiday they wanted to be paid, MLK Day or three Confederate holidays.
As we prepare to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy tomorrow, it’s worth reflecting on what his life’s work means today. Dr. King once reminded us, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Simply meaning, change can take a long time, but it is coming. His dream of equality remains unfinished, so the fight must continue. Communities across the country will honor his memory with service projects, marches, and discussions about the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equity.
There is still a duty to keep his dream alive. Dr. Kings words are often quoted, the challenge is to reflect them in your daily life. MLK Day is more than just a paid holiday, but a day to reflect and remember. As we celebrate tomorrow, let’s remember the struggles it took to establish this day, the sacrifices made by Dr. King and many others, and the work that remains to ensure his dream becomes reality.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
