It was first proposed four days after King's 1968 assassination outside a Memphis motel. It took 15 years until it became a federal holiday.

Martin Luther King Jr., a reverend and civil-rights activist, was assassinated at 39. However, he inspired several movements and political changes.

As the nation recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a traditional celebration will take place locally. The 2025 MLK Day Beloved Community Commemorative Service kicks off at 9 a.m. on Monday, and you can watch it live from home.

This year's MLK Day also falls on Inauguration Day for President-elect Donald Trump, marking only the second time in 28 years that these federal observances align. The last time the two dates overlapped was during President Bill Clinton's second inauguration in January 1997, which also included both inauguration events and MLK Day commemorations.

National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., patrol the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on Jan. 18, 2021. The memorial was closed to the public through Jan. 21 due to security concerns surrounding the presidential inauguration scheduled for Jan.

The 42nd edition of a local MLK Day march is expected to draw an even greater turnout than usual this year, while many other events will mark the holiday in unique ways.

Events honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and advocating for his vision of a just, nonviolent society will occur the same day as Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration. The coincidence has been met with mixed feelings by civil rights leaders who broadly reviled Trump’s rhetoric and stances on race and civil rights

Family and others carrying on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of equality, justice and nonviolent protest want Americans to remember that Monday's holiday is really about helping others.

Erie residents in 2025 will continue to celebrate Dr. King's legacy with the annual memorial march and award ceremony.

Next Monday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the federal holiday that honors the life and legacy of the American civil rights icon..

FAMILY: Emerge, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Runs Jan. 18-April 20. cincinnati-oh.gov. FILM: "Stop Making Sense," 7:30 p.m., Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. $15. cincyticket.com.