Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King History

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and achievements of the prominent civil rights leader. It is a day set aside to remember his nonviolent struggle for civil rights and to celebrate his seminal role in advancing racial equality. King's principles of equality, justice, and peace transcend borders, resonating with ideals cherished worldwide. As a figure that fought tirelessly against racial discrimination and championed civil liberty, Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is impactful not only in the United States but also globally.

The relevance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy to Canadians stems from his work towards achieving racial equality, a core tenet of Canadian multiculturalism. As an advocate for social justice, King's fight for civil rights holds lessons for racial integration and inclusivity in Canada, a nation marked by immense cultural diversity. King, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, consistently championed nonviolent resistance, a principle that aligns with Canada's longstanding emphasis on peacekeeping and conflict resolution.

Although Canada does not officially recognise Martin Luther King Jr. Day as it is a US federal holiday, the spirit and messages of this day transcend geopolitical boundaries. Canadians celebrate this day through educational discussions, art exhibitions, and other commemorations. While there isn't a designated date for the observance in Canada, Canadians, particularly the Black community, often join their American neighbours in commemorating King's principles and teachings on the third Monday in January, when the day is marked in the United States.

Facts about Martin Luther King Jr.

• Martin Luther King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was 35 years old, which made him the youngest Peace Prize winner at the time.
• I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., August 28, 1963.
• He is one of the two Americans whose birthdays are observed as federal holidays, the other one being George Washington.
• When King was jailed in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, several Canadian newspapers published supportive editorials demanding his release and urging the American government to end racial discrimination.
• In recognition of his contributions to the civil rights movement, King was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario in 1965.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Martin Luther King Jr.

Top things to do in Canada for Martin Luther King Jr.

• Watch a movie about MLK. Some popular films include: Our Friend Martin (1999), Selma(2014) and The Witness (2008)
• Popurlar films to watch about Martin Luther King Jr. are:
  Martin Luther King: The Assassination Tapes - (2012)
  King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis - (1970)
  Selma - (2014)
  Boykot: Martin Luther King Jr - (2017)
  King: Man of Peace in a Time of War - (2007)
• Popular events that occur on Martin Luther King Jr. in Canada are:
  Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Toronto: To honour his legacy, Toronto organizes an annual dinner which includes speeches, musical performances, and presentations in memory of his life and accomplishments.
  Black History Month Education Round-table: Hosted by the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, the round-table takes place in February to coincide with Black History Month. This event often includes speeches and discussions about the contributions of black Canadians to the law, which includes actions taken by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr.
  Battle of the Bands Event - Toronto: This special event held in Toronto tends to feature youth bands performing music in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.