On Monday, January 16, Americans will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The national holiday honors the most famous civil rights leader of the 1950s and 1960s. King led peaceful protests and gave powerful speeches to demand equal rights for all people, regardless of the color of their skin.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only national holiday that is also an official day of service. So even though many schools and businesses will be closed on January 16, not everyone will take the day off. Inspired by King’s message, people across the country will volunteer to help others in need in their communities. From organizing clothing drives to collecting food for the hungry, people will honor King’s life and legacy.