To an outside observer (honestly even to the average American), the jurisdiction of the United States government appears convoluted—it’s a collection of states with one set of rules that can be overturned by the larger federal government.
Holidays can sometimes fall into liminal space, and it can get confusing as to what is open and closed on days such as today (Monday, January 19), Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Let’s take a look at the man behind the holiday and the fight to get his birthday recognized, before we dive into how the day is observed.
How was Martin Luther King Jr. Day established?
Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was a civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and social activist whose legacy cannot be overstated.
King was instrumental in organizing the Montgomery bus boycott, which began in 1955. He cofounded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to continue the advancement of Black people in American society.
He also organized the 1963 March on Washington, which helped usher in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and he was the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
The movement to create MLK Day started just four days after King’s death in 1968.
Representative John Conyers introduced the idea in the House of Representatives, but it would take 11 years before a vote would be held on the motion. It would take even longer for the vote to pass.
Stevie Wonder got involved, dropping a single in an effort to get King’s birthday formal recognition.
Another march on Washington was organized by King’s wife, Coretta Scott King, where around 500,000 people took to the streets to show their support of the cause.
Finally in 1983, the House passed the bill, although the Senate proved to be another battle, as Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina attempted to block the bill with a filibuster.
President Ronald Reagan signed it into law in 1983 and the first federal holiday was observed three years later.
It wasn’t until 2000 that all 50 states recognized the holiday.
Now that we know the history behind the observance, here’s what to know about the potential disruption of normal day-to-day services.
Are banks open on MLK Day?
No. Most banks are closed because it is a federal holiday. Online banking is available. ATMs are available if you need fast cash.
Is the post office open on MLK Day?
No. The United Sates Postal Service (USPS) is closed on federal holidays, and most physical post offices won’t be open. Mail will not be delivered.
Are Fedex and UPS operating?
UPS will be closed in observance of MLK Day. FedEx will remain open with modified service.
Is the stock market open?
No. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq exchange will be closed.
Are schools open?
No. Most public schools will be closed in observance of the holiday. If your loved one attends or works at a private school it’s a good practice to double check.
Are restaurants open?
Yes. Most large chain restaurants will be open but some will modify their hours. This includes major fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and others. Smaller mom-and-pop establishments can make their own rules so it is best to call ahead.
Are retail chains open?
Yes. Most major retailers and big-box stores are open. This includes Walmart, Target, Costco, and Home Depot.
Are pharmacies open?
Yes. If you happen to catch the flu or a cold that always seems to go around at this time of the year, Walgreens and CVS are available to soothe your ailments.
Are grocery stores open?
Yes. Groceries stores are typically open, including major chains such as Whole Foods, Kroger, and Aldi.
Are national parks free on MLK Day?
Not anymore. Under President Trump, the National Park Service changed its policy and eliminated the free admission days that were previously available on both MLK Day and Juneteenth.
Free admission is now available on Flag Day, which coincides with the president’s birthday. Many civil rights organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), are upset about this change because of the gravity of both of these observances.
Ways to observe MLK Day
There are many ways to honor the legacy of King on this day. You could volunteer at a local nonprofit and help your community, or you might consider visiting a Black history museum. You could even honor the day by simply reading a book about the visionary leader or watching one of his many moving speeches.