On January 20th, Academy of Art University joins the rest of the United States in honoring the life of minister, activist, and revolutionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

While January 15th marks the 91st birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) on January 20th this year.

First held in 1986, MLK Day honors Dr. King’s legacy as a prominent leader of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, which influenced and inspired later movements worldwide. Watershed events that Dr. King organized and participated in include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Birmingham campaign, and March on Washington. In addition to his renowned “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” also serves as a cornerstone of present-day civil rights discourse.

At its heart, MLK Day is a day of remembrance. We reflect on the tremendous legacy that Dr. King left of civil disobedience, civic engagement, and commitment to justice. We reflect as well on the hatred that he faced—culminating in his assassination at the age of 39—as he sought to end segregation and advance Black civil rights, resulting in the creation of laws protecting many marginalized communities.

As we observe MLK Day, Academy of Art University would like to express our sincerest gratitude toward our student activists and artists. Your contributions to our community enrich not only our campus culture in the heart of San Francisco, but also beyond.

Header image courtesy of Encyclopedia Britannica