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.

From sun-up to sundown, Abilenians will have the opportunity to remember civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Another big MLK Day event for the region is the 40th Annual Day of Celebration happening at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., at 11 a.m. Monday. Civil rights activist Bernard Lafayette will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at https://greaterlansingmlk.squarespace.com/tickets.