Every third Monday in January, the United States honors the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a day of reflection, service, and education, marking the birthday of one of the world's most influential civil rights leaders. While many know him for his "I Have a Dream" speech, the history behind the man and the holiday itself is filled with fascinating details that often go overlooked.

1. It Is The Only Federal Holiday Designated As A National Day Of Service

MLK Day is unique among American federal holidays. It is not just a day off from work or school; it is a "day on." Legislation signed in 1994 designated the holiday as a National Day of Service. This was designed to encourage Americans to volunteer in their communities to honor Dr. King's legacy of social action.

2. The Fight For The Holiday Took 15 Years

The campaign to create a federal holiday in King’s honor began almost immediately after his assassination in 1968. However, the bill to establish the holiday wasn't signed into law until 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, following years of petitioning and Congressional debate.

3. Stevie Wonder Played A Major Role

Musical legend Stevie Wonder was a driving force behind the holiday's creation. In 1980, he released the song "Happy Birthday" specifically to promote the cause. He also organized a rally in 1981 that was attended by hundreds of thousands of people in Washington, D.C.

4. It Wasn't Celebrated By All 50 States Until 2000

Although the holiday was signed into federal law in 1983 and first observed federally in 1986, individual states were not required to adopt it. South Carolina was the last state to officially recognize the holiday as a paid day off for all state employees in the year 2000.

5. He Is The First Private Citizen To Be Honored With A Federal Holiday

Most federal holidays honor public officials (like Presidents Washington and Lincoln), groups of people (Veterans), or religious/historical events (Christmas, Independence Day). Martin Luther King Jr. was the first private citizen—someone who never held public office—to receive this distinct honor.

6. The Holiday Is Observed Internationally

While it is an American federal holiday, Dr. King’s impact was global. The day is observed in various forms in other countries, including Canada (specifically Toronto), Japan (in Hiroshima), and the Netherlands, reflecting his universal message of peace and human rights.

7. Dr. King Entered College At Age 15

Martin Luther King Jr. was an academically gifted child. He skipped the ninth and twelfth grades and enrolled at Morehouse College in 1944 at the young age of 15. By 19, he had earned a bachelor's degree in sociology.

8. He Was Arrested Nearly 30 Times

Throughout his campaign for civil rights, Dr. King was arrested 29 times. His "crimes" were acts of civil disobedience, including sit-ins and marching without permits. These arrests were a core part of his strategy to draw attention to unjust laws.

9. The "I Have a Dream" Speech Was Partially Improvised

During the March on Washington in 1963, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson shouted from the crowd, "Tell them about the dream, Martin!" Dr. King then set aside his prepared text and delivered the famous improvised section that defined the speech and the movement.

As we observe this day, let us move beyond passive remembrance. Whether through volunteering, educating ourselves on current civil rights issues, or simply engaging in difficult conversations about equality, we all have a part to play in carrying the dream forward.