Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. and Wyoming Equality Day!

Ronald Reagan signed a bill in 1983 that established Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a nationally observed holiday.  It was not until 1986 that it was first observed; 2000 was the year in which all 50 states observed the holiday.  In 1990, through the efforts of State Senator Harriet Elizabeth Byrd, Wyoming’s state legislature passed a bill that established Martin Luther King, Jr./Wyoming Equality Day as a state holiday.

Here is a copy of the legislation that went into effect.

Harriett Elizabeth Byrd Papers, Collection # 10443, Box 1, Folder 9.

Many events are planned to commemorate this holiday around the state, including a week-long schedule of events on the University of Wyoming campus, called Days of Dialogue.  Take part in the celebration in your community!