Martin Luther King Day

Hi guys!!

Today is Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., who, as you many know, was an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.

How is it celebrated?

Martin Luther King Day is a relatively new federal holiday and there are few long standing traditions. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Some educational establishments mark the day by teaching their pupils or students about the work of Martin Luther King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years, federal legislation has encouraged Americans to give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups.

Background

Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the "I Have A Dream" speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968.

In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single "Happy Birthday" and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000. In 1990, the Wyoming legislature designated Martin Luther King Jr/Wyoming Equality Day as a legal holiday.

And the Oscars go to...

By the way!!! I remind you that soon we will be able to enjoy a new edition of the Oscars, the most important awards in the cinema industry. Make sure you complete your ballot!! Here you have some useful webs! 

http://oscar.go.com/
http://cdn.media.oscar.abc.com/media/2015/pdf/2015/nominees_full_list_for_oscars_2015.pdf
(printable ballot)
http://www.goldenglobes.com/

See you in class!!