Clergyman, activist and prominent leader, Martin Luther King Jr. became a human rights icon during his life due to his efforts and beliefs in the African American civil rights movement. His work which sought an end to racial discrimination and racial segregation was carried out through non violent methods, all of which saw him become the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 aged 35.

Sadly Dr. King was assassinated in April 1968 putting an end to all the good work he was doing, but it didn’t put an end to the work that was been done by those he inspired and to this day he would be proud to know that the movements he started made it possible for the first black President of the United States of America to come into office.

Following his death he was posthumously awarded with recognition of his efforts and in 1977 given the Presidential Medal of Freedom followed by the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. However, the most celebrated event commemorating Dr. King is the third Monday of January each year in honour of his birthday. The day was initially promoted by labour unions in contract talks but today people see it as a chance to remember and celebrate all the good Martin Luther King brought to the world during his time as a civil rights activist.

Since 1996 the city of Brotherly Love Philadelphia hosts the Greater Philadelphia King Day if Service where many groups provide activities for children and the public to become better educated about Martin Luther King whilst in a fun environment. Martin Luther King Day is also held in the Japanese city of Hiroshima due to the importance they feel of the beliefs and values of the man who once had a dream.