Idaho Human Rights Day in United States

Idaho Human Rights Day, also known as Martin Luther King Jr – Idaho Human Rights Day, is a state holiday in Idaho, the United States, on the third Monday of January. It focuses on human rights while embracing diversity. It also honors Martin Luther King Jr, an American civil rights leader.

"The Stone Of Hope" memorial by master sculpture Lei Yixin was opened to the public in West Potomac Park, Washington DC, on August 22, 2011. ©iStockphoto.com/Camrocker

What do people do?

Some people celebrate Idaho Human Rights Day/Martin Luther King Day with candlelight parades, music, and speeches. Tributes to human rights activities, including Martin Luther King Jr, are published in newspapers, magazines, and online. Television and radio programs also make a special mention about the meaning of the day.

Public events on Idaho Human Rights Day may include art exhibits, rallies, and poetry readings based on human rights, civil rights, justice and equality issues. Idaho’s governor annually makes a proclamation on this day to encourage people to celebrate diversity and its impact on the state’s history and future.

Some church or civil rights groups organize gatherings where people can listen to Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech, which was about Dr King’s dreams for a harmonious future for humankind.

Public Life

Idaho Human Rights Day is a public holiday in Idaho so schools, universities, government offices, and many businesses are closed. Those who plan to use public transport on the day may need to check with their local transport authorities. The third Monday of January is a postal holiday in the United States.

Background

Like many other countries and states, Idaho has had its struggles with prejudice and human rights, including racial segregation and influences from groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, that acted against diversity and unity. However, Idaho has made major moves towards honoring the dreams of many human rights activists, such as Martin Luther King Jr, in recent times.

The Idaho Legislature enacted a law that established the third Monday of January as a legal state holiday known as Martin Luther King Jr – Idaho Human Rights Day in 1990. This holiday embraces the federal holiday, Martin Luther King Day, celebrated on the same day. The state holiday was created to give people the chance to participate in honoring Dr King on the third Monday of January.

Idaho Human Rights Day Observances

Related holidays

• Civil Rights Day ―Monday, January 16, 2012
• Martin Luther King Day ―Monday, January 16, 2012

Other holidays in January 2012 in United States

• New Year's Day ―Sunday, January 1, 2012
• New Year's Day ―Monday, January 2, 2012
• Epiphany ―Friday, January 6, 2012
• Orthodox Christmas Day ―Saturday, January 7, 2012
• Stephen Foster Memorial Day ―Friday, January 13, 2012
• Friday the 13th ―Friday, January 13, 2012
• Lee Jackson Day ―Friday, January 13, 2012
• Orthodox New Year ―Saturday, January 14, 2012
• Robert E Lee's Birthday ―Monday, January 16, 2012
• Civil Rights Day ―Monday, January 16, 2012
• Martin Luther King Day ―Monday, January 16, 2012
• Robert E Lee's Birthday ―Thursday, January 19, 2012
• Confederate Memorial Day ―Thursday, January 19, 2012
• Chinese New Year ―Monday, January 23, 2012
• e-Day ―Friday, January 27, 2012
• International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust ―Friday, January 27, 2012
• Kansas Day ―Sunday, January 29, 2012