On the third Monday of every new year, America comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK and other Civil Rights leaders stand at the Lincoln Memorial
Credit: National Archive/Newsmakers
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A revolutionary, and leader of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, Dr. King's legacy has reached well into the modern day, which is why we celebrate his achievements, and strive to create the dream he once had.

Arizona Didn't Want to Join the Party

The story of MLK Day starts in 1983. President Ronald Regan pushed the third Monday in January to become a federal holiday, in honor of Doctor King. Arizona, however, was not feeling this. Governor Bruce Babbitt passed an executive order in 1986 to create the holiday, but by 1987, new Governor Evan Mecham rescinded it due to scolastic calendar issues.

A portrait of Chris Columbus
Credit: Canva
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Arizonans were not happy about this, especially the Republicans in Arizona's senate. So, in 1989, they drafted a proposal to replace Columbus Day with MLK Day, under the direction of newer Governor Rose Mofford.

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How the Super Bowl Forced Their Hand

Italian-Americans were none too happy about this change, so Mofford and Arizona legislators pushed forward a bill to create a new day for MLK Day. This soon was given a deadline, as the NFL stated it would not allow Arizona to host the 1993 Super Bowl if they didn't "get the Martin Luther King problem straightened out".

Super Bowl XXVII at the arose Bowl, as opposed to the Fiesta Bowl, where it should have been played
Credit: Ken Levine/Allsport/Getty Images
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When voters couldn't reach a decision, the game was moved to California. Finally, in 1992, the state combined George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's holidays, allowing one more open spot for a Holiday. That finally allowed space for MLK Day in January, and on January 18th, 1993, Arizona celebrated its first MLK Day.

[AZ Central]

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