Congressman John Conyers (MI) and Representative Shirley Chisholm (NY) submitted legislation for 15 years for a national holiday to honor the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
After years of opposition, legislation was passed in 1983 and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan to remember the civil rights leader on the 3rd Monday of January.
Senator Harris Wofford (PA) and Congressman John Lewis (GA) introduced the 'King Holiday and Service Act' to challenge us to transform MLK Day into MLK Day of Service. The legislation was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994.
King Day of Service is meant to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.