Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

Historians across the United States are remembering Martin Luther King, Jr., today (20 January 2025) and interpreting the significance of the Civil Rights Movement. University professors and high school teacher are confronting politicized debates about how Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement are remembered and taught.

The New York Times reports on the coincidence of Inauguration Day falling on the same day as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 2025.

The Washington Post reports on remembrances of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington, D.C.

ABC 7 Chicago reports on the commemorations of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day are being held in the Chicago area.

WBEZ (Chicago’s NPR station) is rebroadcasting Studs Terkel’s famous recordings of interviews with Civil Rights activists heading from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to participate in the March on Washington in 1963, where Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Historian David Ikard (Vanderbilt University) was interviewed in 2023 on NPR concerning the political battle over the creation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday, which was established in 1983.

Historian Peniel Joseph (University of Texas at Austin) commented on interpreting Martin Luther King’s message and legacy on NPR.

Time Magazine published an article on teaching Civil Rights in the climate of the current “History Wars.”

Northern Illinois University published an article on the history of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Commons on campus.