Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Commemorative Works and Other Honors Authorized by Congress

Douglas Reid Weimer
Legislative Attorney

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), the prominent African American clergyman and civil rights leader, has been honored by Congress over the years through the enactment of several pieces of legislation to provide for the commemoration of his life, works, and legacy. This report examines the life and works of Dr. King, and the various honors and memorials which Congress has authorized. In addition, Mrs. Martin Luther King Jr. (Coretta Scott King, 1927-2006) was closely involved in her husband’s work. Following his assassination, she carried on his legacy. She has also been recognized and commemorated by Congress. This report provides the current status of these various projects.

In 1983, Congress enacted legislation to designate the birthday of Dr. King a legal public holiday. This federal holiday has been observed every year since 1986. Since then, Congress has regularly passed resolutions recognizing Dr. King’s birthday and acknowledging his contributions to the United States and the world. In 1994, Congress passed legislation to fund the King Federal Holiday Commission and to extend its operations. The legislation also established the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day, which provides service opportunities in conjunction with the King birthday observance.

Congress, in 1996, authorized the construction of a memorial to Dr. King (“King Memorial”) to be located in the Washington, DC, area. Congress subsequently enacted additional legislation to further this project. In 2005, federal matching grants of $10 million were appropriated for expenses for the King Memorial, and legislative authorization for the construction of the King Memorial was added. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on November 13, 2006. Following various design discussions and decisions, the construction permit was ceremoniously signed on October 29, 2009. Construction began on December 16, 2009. The King Memorial was opened to the public on August 22, 2011. The dedication ceremony was originally scheduled for August 28, 2011, but was rescheduled (because of inclement weather) for October 16, 2011. Fundraising continues, with nearly $114 million raised of the estimated construction costs of $120 million.

In 2000, Congress authorized the placement of a bronze plaque at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate Dr. King’s August 28, 1963, “I Have A Dream” speech. The plaque was unveiled and dedicated on August 22, 2003, and the project is completed. Both the King Memorial and the plaque are/were subject to the Commemorative Works Act, which relates to the siting of commemorative works at certain locations in the Washington, DC, area.

In 2004, Congress authorized the President to award a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Dr. King (posthumously) and his widow, Coretta Scott King, in recognition of their contributions to the civil rights movement. The medal has been minted. Mrs. King died on January 31, 2006. Following her death, both the Senate and House passed resolutions expressing condolences and honoring her life and work. It is expected that the medal will be ceremoniously presented to the family of Dr. and Mrs. King at some future date.


Date of Report: October 13, 2011
Number of Pages: 13
Order Number: RL32983
Price: $29.95

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