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Civil Rights Day

Honor Civil Rights Day, a day to celebrate strides towards equality and to remember there's still work ahead for all of us!
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When it is?
January 15
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Category
Federal
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Country
United States
Introduction

Commence the New Year on a powerful note by celebrating Civil Rights Day on January 15! This special day dates back to 1986, when it was established in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who dedicated his life to advocating for civil rights and equality. This day is not only a celebration of the advances in civil rights that we've achieved, but also a reminder of the continual work that lies ahead. It's a day to commit to taking a stand against all forms of discrimination and to pledge towards a better, more equitable future. So, get ready for a day full of education, reflection, and motivation to make the world a little more just and equal!

History of Civil Rights Day

Civil Rights Day Dates

Civil Rights Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1865</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Slavery</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 13th Amendment is ratified, formally abolishing slavery in the United States, a major milestone in civil rights history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1896</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Plessy v. Ferguson Ruling</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson decision upheld racial segregation stating "separate but equal" facilities were constitutional.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1954</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Brown v. Board of Education</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Civil Rights Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress passes the Civil Rights Act, officially outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Civil Rights Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Civil Rights Day is celebrated, established in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recognizing his influential work for equality.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Civil Rights Expanded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and the subsequent expansion of civil rights to LGBTQ+ individuals mark further progression towards equality.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Civil Rights Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Engage in community dialogue</h3><p class='facts-text'>Arrange a group discussion or town hall meeting within the community to discuss civil rights issues. Use this as an opportunity to learn more about the struggles faced by various communities and brainstorm solutions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit a civil rights museum or memorial</h3><p class='facts-text'>Spending the day at a museum dedicated to civil rights can offer valuable insights into the history of the movement and remind us of the sacrifices made for equality.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a film screening</h3><p class='facts-text'>Movies can be powerful mediums to highlight social issues. Consider screening a film like "Selma" or "Just Mercy" to spark discussions about civil rights issues.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a peaceful protest</h3><p class='facts-text'>Consider organizing a peaceful protest or demonstration for an issue that's current and relevant. This not only helps raise awareness but also helps uphold the legacy of peaceful protest inherent in the civil rights movement.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer for a cause you believe in</h3><p class='facts-text'>Using this day to give back to a cause that supports equal rights allows us to contribute to the ongoing fight for civil rights. Whether it's helping out at an LGBTQ+ center, aiding a charity for refugees, or donating to a nonprofit focused on racial justice, there's a lot we can do to contribute to equality.</p></div></div>

Why Civil Rights Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Encourages Dialogue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Civil Rights Day provides an opportunity for us to engage in dialogues about equality, diversity, and equity. By initiating conversations about civil rights, it deepens our understanding of these issues and fosters mutual respect amidst diversity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Honors the Legacy of Civil Rights Leaders</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Civil Rights Day is also a day to honor the tremendous contributions made by civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Their relentless efforts for equality have laid the foundation for the progress we are building on today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Promotes Action for Equality</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This special day serves as a call to action for all of us to play our part in promoting equality. Whether it's attending a peaceful protest, volunteering for a cause you believe in, or learning more about civil rights through films or museum visits - it's a day to actively participate in the journey towards a more equitable world.</p></div></div>

5 Unheard Facts about Civil Rights Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First State to Recognize Civil Rights Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>New Hampshire was the first state to officially recognize the Civil Rights Day in 1991, commemorating it on Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Arizona's Unique Path to Recognizing the Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>The recognition of Civil Rights Day in Arizona came after a long struggle in 1992, including a controversial period during which the state lost the opportunity to host the Super Bowl due to non-recognition of the holiday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Civil Rights Museum Location </h3><p class='facts-content'>The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis, Tennessee, at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Civil Rights Day and Other Names</h3><p class='facts-content'>The holiday is also known as Human Rights Day in some locations, and as Martin Luther King Jr. Day on a federal level, celebrating Dr. King and his monumental contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The March on Washington: A Landmark Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>The significant March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, took place on August 28, 1963, and is a key event commemorated on Civil Rights Day.</p></div></div>

Civil Rights Day FAQs

Civil Rights Day Dates

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