Struggle & Resistance Achievement & Excellence

November 1983

After years of opposition and with Congress passing the bill 338–90 in the House and 78–22 in the Senate, Reagan signs the King Holiday bill creating a federal holiday on the third Monday in January. Reagan had privately endorsed Sen. Jesse Helms's baseless claim that King had Communist associations. The first official observance is January 20, 1986.

Events

November 2, 1983
Reagan Reluctantly Signs Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday
After years of opposition and with Congress passing the bill 338–90 in the House and 78–22 in the Senate, Reagan signs the King Holiday bill creating a federal holiday on the third Monday in January. Reagan had privately endorsed Sen. Jesse Helms's baseless claim that King had Communist associations. The first official observance is January 20, 1986.
November 2, 1983
Reagan Reluctantly Signs Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday
Congress passes the King Holiday bill 338-90 in the House and 78-22 in the Senate, forcing Reagan to sign. Reagan had privately endorsed Sen. Jesse Helms's baseless claim that King had Communist ties. The first official observance is January 20, 1986.
November 2, 1983
Martin Luther King Jr. Day signed into law
A federal holiday honoring Dr. King is established after years of campaigning.