Martin Luther King Jr. grew up believing that black and white people shuld be treated as equals. He preached the value of using nonviolent protest to promote change. His courage and determination made him one of the most beloved and influential civil rights leaders in American history. In 1986, his birthday became a national holiday. Celebrated on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day reminds people everywhere that they can live Dr. King's dream of love, peace and justice every day.