Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) is about more than just a day off from school. It is a time for students and families to honor the life and "big dreams" of a leader who worked to make our world a fairer, kinder place.
In 2026, MLK Day will be observed on Monday, January 19.
Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
Dr. King was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement who believed that everyone should be treated with respect, no matter the color of their skin.
- A Brave Leader: He used "peaceful power"—like marching and giving speeches—to change laws that were unfair.
- The "Big Dream": His most famous speech, "I Have a Dream," described a future where children of all backgrounds play and learn together as friends.
- Nobel Peace Prize: In 1964, he became the youngest person at that time to receive
- this special award for his work for peace.
A "Day On," Not a Day OffMLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. This means it is a "day on" for helping others. You can honor Dr. King’s legacy by volunteering in your community.Fun Ways to Celebrate at Home - Read Together: Explore books like Martin’s Big Words or to learn more about his life.
- Create a "Dream Wall": Use sticky notes or paper clouds to write down your dreams for your school or community and post them on a wall.
- Acts of Kindness: Fill a "Kindness Jar" with ideas for small ways to help others, like sharing a toy or writing a thank-you note.
- Listen to History: Watch or listen to a kid-friendly version of the "I Have a Dream" speech.