January 21 marked the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the great African American leader in the struggle against racial discrimination and for universal civil rights. The day, a legal holiday in the U.S., is observed each year on the third Monday in January and is marked by religious ceremonies, marches, and other public demonstrations in memory of the revered civil rights leader. His historic speeches and documentaries about him and the movement he led are presented on television.

In schools, the young observe the day in specially-prepared programs, and in many public events in his honor, political figures pay tribute to Dr. King and his legacy.