1950s: MLK Jr, civil rights movements and SCLC: Remembrance

Legacy

Martin Luther King Jr is considered the most formative figure in the modern fight for civil rights. Martin's legacy appears in the work of those who follow him in his cause. He has inspired civil rights activists for the past forty years. There are a lot of organizations, like the NAACP, that have carried on his work on behalf of all people of color. Martin Luther King Jr pushed America to fulfill its promise of equal rights for all.

"I close by saying there is nothing greater in all the world than freedom. It's worth going to jail for. It's worth losing a job for. It's worth dying for. My friends, go out this evening determined to achieve this Freedom which God wants for all of His children." --MLK

Holiday

It took 15 years to make Martin Luther King Day a federal holiday. Congressman John Conyers first introduced the legislation for a commemorative holiday only four days after King was shot dead. The bill for the holiday became stalled in Congress. In 1973 Illinois was the first state to adopt Martin Luther King Day as a state holiday and some other states would follow suit. There were petitions supporting the holiday and were signed by 6 million people and were submitted to Congress. Public pressure kept mounting in 1982 and 1983. Because of the public pressure Congress passed the legislation in 1983 which was then signed into law by President Ronald Regan. In 1986 federal MLK Day holiday went into effect. Martin Luther King Day is celebrated every third Monday in January.

Monuments

There are many statues of Martin Luther King Jr throughout the country. The places that have a MLK statue are Atlanta (2), Chicago, Springfield Illinois, Pueblo Colorado, National Mall Washington D.C., Birmingham, Denver, Allentown Pennsylvania, Florida (2), Toledo, Selma, North Carolina (3), Austin, San Bernardino, Capitol Rotunda Washington D.C., Indianapolis, and White Plains New York.

National Mall, Washington D.C

This MLK statue was unveiled in 2011. The ceremony was scheduled on the 48th anniversary of his "I Have a Dream" speech but the ceremony was cancelled because of hurricane Irene. The ceremony was then held on October 16th. Martin Luther King Jr is the first African American honored with a memorial on or near the National Mall and the fourth non-president.

Allentown, Pennsylvania

This statue was dedicated in 2011. This is believed to be the only statue of both Martin and his wife Coretta. This statue depicts them marching forward with eyes on the horizon.

Selma

This statue in Selma is located at the Brown Chapel AME Church. This church was the local SCLC meeting place during the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965.

Indianapolis

This statue is of Martin Luther King Jr and Robert F Kennedy. This memorial is in the location where RFK delivered his speech announcing that MLK had been killed. It depicts Martin Luther King Jr reaching out to Robert F Kennedy.

There are over 900 streets named after Martin Luther King Jr in 42 states and in Puerto Rico. There are also numerous schools and institutions named after him as well.