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MLK Observance


In honor of MLK Day, the Muzilog magazine team pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. We remember and pay homage to Coretta Scott King and the host of supporters who put in their tireless efforts and sacrifices to make this possible. Research shows it took fifteen years to battle legislation and garner support, leading President Ronald Reagan to sign the King Holiday Bill into law on November 2, 1983. “Nothing worth having comes easy.” Theodore Roosevelt. Read More



In the presence of Coretta Scott King (2nd from left), President Ronald Reagan signs a bill making Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. Photo by © CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images


AUGUST 27, 1983

20th Anniversary of the March on Washington

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Civil Rights March on Washington, speakers addressed the original march and the state of civil rights in America.


Stevie Wonder urges Senate passage of MLK birthday and sings:

[Verse 1]

You know it doesn't make much sense

There ought to be a law against

Anyone who takes offense

At a day in your celebration

'Cause we all know in our minds

That there ought to be a time

That we can set aside

To show just how much we love you

And I'm sure you would agree

It couldn't fit more perfectly

Than to have a world party on the day you came to be


[Chorus]

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday


[Verse 2]

I just never understood

How a man who died for good

Could not have a day that would

Be set aside for his recognition

Because it should never be

Just because some cannot see

The dream as clear as he

That they should make it become an illusion

And we all know everything

That he stood for time will bring

For in peace our hearts will sing

Thanks to Martin Luther King


[Chorus]

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday


[Bridge]

Why has there never been a holiday

Where peace is celebrated

All throughout the world


[Verse 3]

The time is overdue

For people like me and you

Who know the way to truth

Is love and unity to all God's children

It should be a great event

And the whole day should be spent

In full remembrance

Of those who lived and died for the oneness of all people

So let us all begin

We know that love can win

Let it out, don't hold it in

Sing it loud as you can



Sources:

The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. (n.d.). National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/15-year-battle-martin-luther-king-jr-day


Stevie Wonder sings “Happy Birthday” Martin Luther King 8-27-1983 20th Anniv March Washington - FULL. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved January 15, 2024, from https://youtu.be/XageBg3GtJE?si=-EgMjXlYgz7WgHQL

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