Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 19, 2026


 

On the third Monday of January, we take time to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Dr. King was a Baptist minister and a leader in the civil rights movement. In 1955, he began the fight to persuade the U.S. government that racial discrimination policy was unlawful. His fight was one of non-violence, including demonstrations and sit-ins, but he and his supporters were often met with violence from those who didn't agree with his stance. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his peaceful protesting of racism. One year after his "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibited all racial discrimination. 

On April 4, 1968, while speaking in Tennessee in support of the struggling garbage workers of that city, King was assassinated.  

Fifteen years after his assassination, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law, designating the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Dr. King's birthday was January 15). MLK Day is seen as a call to service - a day to volunteer or to help where you can. Keep Dr. King's legacy alive. 

We've made progress, no doubt. But today, sadly, it’s our own federal government that reminds us that we still have a long way to go. Nevertheless, each new day brings opportunities to come together and move closer to justice. We recognize January 19 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We are reminded of his inspiring words and to keep striving for fairness and equality for all. This year will be no different here, except that some of my colleagues will do the honors in reliving the "I Have a Dream" moment. Please click on the video below to hear their voices continue Dr. King's legacy.
I joined House members of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus (BPRC) to re-create Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. 
 

The Connecticut Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will honor what would have been Dr. King's 97th birthday and the 40th anniversary of the commission. Please join us on Monday, January 19, at 10 a.m., at the State Capitol. There will be a guest speaker, musical tributes and performances, and special recognition of high school essayists. More information can be found below.