Idaho Human Rights Day

Idaho Human Rights Day is a holiday that falls on the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and is a state holiday in Idaho. Although this holiday’s inclusion on the third Monday in January is somewhat controversial to some people because of it coexisting next to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this holiday is designed to embrace diversity and promote human rights.

The History Of Idaho Human Rights Day

Idaho started this state holiday back in 1990 as a way to participate in the National holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Since this holiday has been enacted, schools, business, and government offices are closed on this day and public transportation might have adjusted hours.

Facts About Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., we decided to list some of the facts we’ve learned about him. Facts that we think are appropriate to share with everyone observing Idaho Human Rights Day.

  • Martin Luther King’s name was originally Michael King, Jr. He changed his name because he was inspired by Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther.
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929.
  • Martin Luther King went to Morehouse College in 1944 at the age of 15-years old.
  • King went to jail a total of 29 different times.
  • The only other Americans to have their birthdays observed as a national holiday besides King was George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, and a Doctorate of Philosophy In Systematic Theology from Boston University.

Observing Idaho Human Rights Day

This holiday is often celebrated with special events, speeches, and even parades or musical events. Tributes to Martin Luther King Jr. and other human rights activists are printed in newspapers and online, and tributes are shown on TV. People also use the hashtag #IdahoHumanRightsDay on their social media accounts on this day.

Where is it celebrated?
United States (State holiday) - Idaho
When is it?
This year (2023)
January 16 Monday
Next year (2024)
January 15 Monday
Last year (2022)
January 17 Monday