January 18, 1969
These four articles are related to the first posthumous celebrations of King’s birthday (he would have turned forty in 1969), and highlight attempts to pass state MLK holiday legislation in Pennsylvania, name a school after King in Pittsburgh, and honor King’s life and legacy.
Philadelphia Tribune: “Mayor Backs Martin Luther King Holiday Plan,” January 18, 1969 (click to view PDF)
Pittsburgh Courier: “Rename Fifth Avenue High School MLK?,” January 18, 1969 (PDF)
NY Amsterdam News: “Dr. MLK’s Birthday Hailed at Salvation Army Service,” January 18, 1969 (PDF)
NY Amsterdam News: “MLK Day” editorial, January 18, 1969 (PDF)
For more on the history of the MLK holiday, see Time and the King Center.