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In 1994, eight years after Americans celebrated the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Congress made the annual federal holiday more than just a break from work. The holiday officially became a national day of service. “A day on, not a day off” is the official motto.
Congress tasked the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that helps lead service, volunteering and grant-making efforts, with making the day of service a reality.
Each year, the agency and the King Center in Atlanta join nonprofit organizations, other government agencies and faith-based and community groups to coordinate projects across the U.S.
Here’s a look at how some people celebrated the day, observed on the third Monday in January, over the years.