x
Breaking News
More () »

The history behind MLK Day

Even during the height of racial segregation in the 1960s, Dr. King envisioned a world where his kids' would not be judged by the color of their skin.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all the critical work he did for this country.

Let's connect the dots.

Even during the height of racial segregation in the 1960s, Dr. King envisioned a world where his kids' would not be judged by the color of their skin.

His I Have a Dream speech is now one of the most famous in the world and one of the pillars of the civil rights movement. In 1964, Dr. King became the youngest man to ever receive the Nobel Peace prize.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.

Sadly four years later, he was assassinated.

But shortly after he died, a campaign was started to honor him by making his birthday a federal holiday. That happened nearly two decades later when former President Reagan signed it into law.

Now, every year we celebrate MLK Day on the third Monday of January.

The idea is that it will fall as close as possible to his actual birthday, which was Jan.15.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.

FREE PODCASTS 

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. 
SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.  

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.  
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts   

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out