KALAMAZOO, MI — Minister and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to serving others. On Monday, Jan. 20, volunteers celebrate his birthday by doing the same. The city of Kalamazoo is celebrating the federal holiday with a “day on,” encouraging residents to volunteer in the community on their day off of work.

Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday? Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized in the United States. Are grocery stores open on MLK Day?

It was first proposed four days after King’s 1968 assassination outside a Memphis motel. It took 15 years until it became a federal holiday.