Martin Luther King Jr. Day in American Samoa
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a holiday in American Samoa.
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in American Samoa
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on 16, January, 2023 in American Samoa.
About Martin Luther King Jr. Day in American Samoa
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Monday of January each year. However, American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, and as such, it is not required to observe the holiday.
Instead, American Samoa celebrates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a territorial holiday on the same day as the federal holiday. The holiday is observed by closing government offices, schools, and some businesses.
The celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in American Samoa is a way to honor Dr. King’s legacy and his contributions to the civil rights movement in the United States. It is also a way to recognize the importance of equal rights and social justice for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
History of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in American Samoa
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States that celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday was established in 1983 and is observed on the third Monday of January each year.
American Samoa, an unincorporated territory of the United States, also observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a public holiday. However, the holiday was not officially recognized in American Samoa until 1989.
The late Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy of the District of Columbia introduced legislation in 1986 to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday in American Samoa. The legislation was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on August 10, 1988.
The law also established the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission, which was tasked with promoting and coordinating observances of the holiday across the United States and its territories, including American Samoa.
Since then, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been celebrated annually in American Samoa with various events and activities, including parades, speeches, and community service projects.
How is Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrated in American Samoa
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not a public holiday in American Samoa, and it is not widely celebrated. However, some schools and organizations may hold educational events or discussions about the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s legacy. Additionally, some individuals may choose to honor Dr. King’s memory by participating in community service or volunteering.