MLK-3Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! This national holiday is observed every year on the third Monday in January to honor Martin Luther King Jr. He was an activist and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. Dr. King is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience and his inspiring values of unconditional love, forgiveness, courage, and compassion. Also read: Today is a Day to Do We're open, FYI.