Who is the only African-American honored by a national holiday?

• A. Rosa Parks
• B. Frederick Douglass
• C. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• D. Malcolm X

Answer: (C)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is honored by a national holiday in recognition of his pivotal role in the American civil rights movement. He is celebrated for his advocacy of nonviolent protest against racial segregation and his significant contributions to achieving civil rights for African-Americans. The national holiday, observed on the third Monday of January each year, not only commemorates his birthday but also acknowledges the ideals of equality and justice for which he fought.

King’s legacy includes landmark events such as the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. This holiday serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and encourages citizens to reflect on the values of dignity, respect, and justice that King championed. Other figures listed, while influential in their own right, have not been honored with a national holiday.