(male narrator)
The third Monday in January
is observed as the birthday
of Martin Luther King Jr.
It's an official U.S. holiday.
Dr. King's actual birthday
is January 15.
Dr. King spoke out against
racial discrimination,
the unfair treatment of people
based on the color of their skin
or where they came from.
His voice became familiar
to millions
during
the Civil Rights Movement,
when many people worked hard
to change unfair laws.
These laws prevented
many African-Americans
from using public areas,
going to certain schools,
or even entering some stores
and restaurants.
Dr. King believed people should
stand up for what is right
and stop injustice
any way they can,
but never through the use
of violence.
He was awarded
the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
The Civil Rights Movement
led to historic changes
in our country's laws.
In 1994, the U.S. government
encouraged Americans
to use the King holiday
as a national day
of volunteer action.
Now on the Martin Luther
King Jr. Day of Service,
volunteers across the country
donate their time
to making a difference.
How would you like
to volunteer your time
on the birthday of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
