On January 15, 1979, President Jimmy Carter proposed that the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. be designated a federal holiday. This announcement came during a period of heightened recognition of King’s contributions to the civil rights movement and his advocacy for nonviolent protest. President Carter’s proposal was seen as a significant step toward honoring King’s legacy and acknowledging the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States.
At the time, many Americans supported the idea, viewing it as a fitting tribute to a man who had played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights. However, there was also opposition from some quarters, with critics arguing about the implications of adding a new federal holiday. Despite the mixed reactions, the proposal sparked nationwide discussions about King’s impact and the importance of commemorating his work.
The push for a federal holiday in King’s honor gained momentum over the following years, culminating in the signing of the holiday into law in 1983. The first official observance took place on January 20, 1986, providing Americans with an opportunity to reflect on King’s vision of equality and justice.
On that same day in 1979, the top three songs were:
- “Le Freak” by Chic
- “Too Much Heaven” by the Bee Gees
- “My Life” by Billy Joel
