MLK Day: Life and legacy of civil rights icon (34 images)

By UPI Staff

Americans observe the holiday dedicated to civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. every January near his birthdate: January 15, 1929. This year, the holiday falls on Monday. King was assassinated in 1968. Here is a look back at his life and previous celebrations of his legacy.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell stands before the Cavs game against New Orleans Pelicans at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Cleveland on January 16, 2023. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI

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Gospel singer Clifton Ross III sings "We Shall Overcome" at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on January 16, 2023. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

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