Today marks the 40th observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy, with banks, post offices, federal, state and local offices closed across the region and schools observing the day off.
Celebrations and parades are underway in communities including Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano and Grand Prairie, where residents are gathering for commemorations and service-oriented events that reflect Dr. King’s message of equality and unity.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January, near King’s January 15 birthday, and has been a federal holiday since 1986, making today the 40th year of national observance; in North Texas, dozens of parades, community breakfasts, family celebrations and service activities are scheduled throughout the day to honor his work for civil rights and nonviolent change.