Fri Jan 16 13:30:00 UTC 2026: ### MLK Day 2026: A Time for Reflection and Unity
The Story:
As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches on Monday, January 19, 2026, the United States prepares to commemorate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. The holiday, observed on the third Monday of January, serves as a reminder of King’s impactful contributions to racial equality during the 1950s and 1960s. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible. Building Community, Uniting a Nation,” as announced by The King Center, emphasizes the ongoing need for community building and national unity.
Key Points:
* Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, January 19, 2026.
* The holiday is a federal and state holiday, resulting in the closure of government offices, schools, stock markets, most banks, and post offices.
* Retail and grocery stores will generally remain open.
* The theme for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 is “Mission Possible. Building Community, Uniting a Nation.”
* Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.
* King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, remains one of the most famous speeches in history.
Key Takeaways:
- MLK Day serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice.
- The chosen theme reflects a call for national unity and community building in the current sociopolitical climate.
- The holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on King’s words and their continued relevance.
First Piper 