Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday, is rolling around the corner falling on Jan. 18 because it is observed on the third Monday of the month. Forsyth County Schools recognizes this holiday by giving the students and staff a day off. 

The schedule for the week of Jan.17-Jan.23 looks a little different than usual due to the day off. One might assume that because Monday, Jan.18 would have been an odd day that we would skip that day and continue with an even block on Tuesday, Jan.19; however, that is not the case. Tuesday is scheduled to be an odd block day following a normal schedule. There will be first, third, fifth and seventh periods. 

In America, people celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also known as MLK Day or King Day, to honor the civil rights icon’s birthday, even if it does not always happen on his birthday, Jan. 15. Federal holidays don’t require private sectors to close their doors on this holiday, so don’t fret! Some of your favorite fast food places will still be open. 

In order to properly celebrate King Day, one must learn about Martin Luther King Jr. In December of 1955, MLK led the Montgomery bus boycott. The active cause in the boycott was to desegregate buses. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I have a dream” speech was delivered on Aug. 28, 1963. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. In the middle of a voting rights demonstration, MLK was arrested alongside 2,600 others. Sadly, he was assassinated on April 4 in Memphis. 

Everyone should have an entertaining and well-celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day while staying six feet apart and socially distanced.