Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday? Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized in the United States. Are grocery stores open on MLK Day?

Celebrations of his life are already taking place throughout the country – including here on the South Shore – ahead of the holiday in his name that did not become federally observed until 1986, nearly 20 years after his 1968 assassination. Martin Luther King Jr. Day wasn't recognized as an official holiday until 2000.

Various activities will be held in coming days in Topeka to celebrate the legacy of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.