MLK Events Happening Around the Valley

Coffea Flair Editorial Team

As a hero of the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. is well-known to all. He spearheaded efforts to eradicate racial segregation in America. In his "I Have A Dream" speech, he achieved the greatest level of fame. He was the youngest man ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and he was a strong believer in peaceful protest.

This year's holiday falls on Monday, January 15th, the third Monday of the year. The holiday was not instituted until the Reagan administration in 1983, and the United States did not begin celebrating Martin Luther King Day until 1986, even though King was slain in 1968. Arizona was the only state that did not recognize the holiday and because of that decision, the state lost its first Super Bowl due to the contentious holdout.

In 1992, Arizonans approved a bill that made their state the only one to do so through a popular vote.

Now for more than 30 years, Arizona has celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. This year, there are plenty of events ranging from a basketball tournament to festivals happening around the valley and you can join the activites too!