Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill to create a federal holiday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The bill had originally been introduced in Congress many years before — in 1979 by Congressman John Conyers (D, MI-13) and Senator Edward Brooke, III (D-MA), both pioneers in their own right. Rep Conyers recently became the first African-American Dean of the US House of Representatives. Senator Edward Brooke, III (D-MA) was the first popularly-elected African-American Senator. The bill that eventually became law was sponsored by Rep. Katie Hall (IN-1).
The Hill recently revisited the legislative debates of the years leading up to the bill’s passage in 1983, and the changing views of the six remaining lawmakers who voted against the bill: Sens. Richard Shelby (AL), Chuck Grassley (IA), John McCain (AZ) and Orrin Hatch (UT), as well as Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner (WI) and Hal Rogers (KY). (Lawmakers reflect on ‘no’ votes on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.)
Martin Luther King, Jr., and his spirit live within all of us. Thank God for the blessing of his life and his leadership and his commitment. What manner of man was this? May we make ourselves worthy to carry on his dream and create the love community.
– President Ronald Reagan on signing the bill making the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., a National Holiday, November 2, 1983
Bills in Congress related to the MLK Legacy
We at POPVOX frequently highlight bills related to subjects in the news or relevant holidays, as we did for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, in 2013.
Here are some bills that have so far been introduced in the 114th Congress related to Dr. King’s life and work for civil rights:
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Recognizing the 106th anniversary of the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (HConRes 2)
Honors the NAACP for its work to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic rights of all persons..
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Coretta Scott King Mid-Decade Redistricting Prohibition Act of 2015 (HR 75)
Prohibits states from carrying out more than one congressional redistricting after a decennial census and apportionment.
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Recognizing the significance of Black History Month. (HRes 13)
Recognizes the significance of Black History Month as an important time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of African-Americans in the nation’s history.
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Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act (HR 40)
Establishes the Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans to examine slavery and discrimination in the colonies and the United States from 1619 to the present and recommend appropriate remedies.
Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill does not imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. We are simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of a complex legislative system.
