Today In Black History - Martin Luther King Jr

On this date in 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed the law designating the third Monday in January Martin Luther King Jr Day. It was observed for the first time on January 20, 1986.

Senator Jesse Helms (R-North Carolina) led opposition to the bill and questioned whether King was important enough to receive such an honor. He also criticized King's opposition to the Vietnam War and accused him of espousing "action-oriented Marxism". Ronald Reagan was also opposed to the holiday, citing cost concerns.[10] He threatened to veto the King Day bill but recanted after Congress passed it with an overwhelming veto-proof majority (338 to 90 in the House of Representatives and 78 to 22 in the Senate). Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) was one of thoese who voted against the creation of the holiday to honor King.

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