In the coming weeks, central Iowa and the rest of the United States will celebrate and honor the life of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 7, according to the Tribune’s archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service,

In an interview published by NPR’s Book of the Day podcast on Jan. 3, writer Jonathan Eig, who authored the biography 'King: A Life,' said that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was "a protest leader who really does not like conflict.

Myrtle Beach and Conway are preparing to honor Martin Luther King Jr. with church services, a parade, art contests and an awards ceremony beginning Jan. 17.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day — or MLK Day — is celebrated annually on the third Monday of January. MLK Day became a federal holiday in 1994, but has been observed by Americans since January 1986, when it was first officially celebrated, per the Observance Calendar from the Department of Defense Education Activity site.

The City of Crestview will host its annual Martin Luther King. Jr program on Jan. 18 that will honor his work and build a better future.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — A local church is once again holding a large celebration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Restoration Church in Sioux City will be holding the birthday celebration on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. It will feature a variety of speakers, including Dr. Terry Murrell, president of Western Iowa Tech Community College.

Celebrations marking what would have been the civil rights icon’s 96th birthday are planned throughout the region.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the federal holiday that honors the legacy of the American civil rights icon, is this month. Here's what you should know.