MLK Jr. Day of Service

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Background

In 1979, a public campaign in support of officially recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday was launched. This community-based effort resulted in six million signatures for a petition to Congress. In 1983, Congress passed legislation officially declaring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday. In 1994, Congress designated the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service.

A Day of Service

Dr. King recognized the power of service. He famously said, "Everyone can be great because everybody can serve." Every year, on the third Monday in January, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is observed as a “day on, not a day off.” Observing the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday through service is a way to begin each year with a commitment to making your community a better place. Your service honors Dr. King's life and teachings and helps meet community challenges.

How to Celebrate in Bothell

Check back in early 2024 for more information about local events taking place in our community.