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Monday, January 21, 2013

American Holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day


On the third Monday of January, the U.S. celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (officially called Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.), in honor of this important Human Rights activist.



During his life, Martin Luther King, Jr. protested against racial discrimination. He is considered one of the greatest orators in American History and in 1963 he delivered his most famous speech "I have a dream" (read it here or watch it bellow).



Although he always promoted his ideas in a non-violent manner, he was assassinated in 1968.



Just after his death, the American Congress passed The Civil Rights Act of 1968, that prohibited discrimination in housing and housing-related transactions on the basis of race, religion, or national origin (later expanded to include sex, familial status, and disability). The Civil Rights Act is considered a result of Martin Luther King, Jr. struggle, but his legacy goes beyond that and his words still echo on those who fight for equality and justice around the globe. (you can learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. and this holiday by clicking here and here).

The video bellow shows a brief biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Check it out:



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