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.

A young girl touches a quote from King at the memorial on January 17, 2022. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

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The trees in Fountain Park are in full fall colors near the statue of King in St. Louis in 2021. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

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Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at a ceremony in 2021 marking the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington. Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI

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President Joe Biden and Harris arrive for the anniversary event. Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI

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