UPDATE: Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Norristown

Next Monday, Jan. 21 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

For some, the national holiday honoring the prominent civil rights activist is a time to give back and serve the community, be it through removing graffiti or picking up litter in a local park.

For others, it’s an opportunity to educate themselves about King and his life's work. And for others, it’s a time to just kick back and enjoy the prolonged weekend.

Local MLK Day Events & Volunteer Opportunities

Friday, Jan. 18 – The Philadelphia Theatre Company presents "The Mountaintop," a gripping drama about the night before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. running through Feb. 10. Call 215-985-0420 for more information.

Sunday, Jan. 20 – MLK Freedom Concert at Theist Temple Curch of God in Christ

Sunday, Jan. 20 – Honoring The Dream – Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Awards Service at Bethlehem Baptist Church

Monday, Jan. 21 – MLK Day at Elmwood Park Zoo

Monday, Jan. 21 –  at Greater Norristown PAL

Monday, Jan. 21 –Norristown Recreation Committee's Martin Luther King Jr. "Living the Dream" Award Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at Norristown Municipal Hall

The History of MLK Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, now a U.S. holiday, took 15 years to create.

Legislation was first proposed by Congressman John Conyers (D-Michigan) four days after King was assassinated in 1968.

The bill was stalled, but Conyers, along with Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-New York), pushed for the holiday every legislative session until it was finally passed in 1983, following civil rights marches in Washington. 

Then-president Ronald Reagan signed it into law. Yet it was not until 2000 that every U.S. state celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by its name. Before then, states like Utah referred to the holiday more broadly as Human Rights Day. 

Now, the Corporation for National and Community Service has declared it an official U.S. Day of Service.

So, tell us—What does Martin Luther King Jr. Day mean to you? What are you doing to commemorate King’s legacy? Tell us in the comments.