*Stevie Wonder’s version of the “happy birthday” song is one of the most popular among Black people in America. The singer wrote the song in 1981, as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther Jr. – one of history’s most prominent figures – which was later used during the launch of the national holiday in honor of the civil rights activist. It wasn’t written just to be sung at birthday parties.
There was an immense desire to establish a federal holiday to commemorate the birthday of Dr. King, after his assassination in 1968. While most cities and states had established a holiday in King’s honourship, the campaign for a national holiday still faced great opposition.
The singer, who had been the leader’s adamant supporter wanted to do something significant to support the movement. It was that desire that inspired him to write the song “Happy Birthday,” as a way to honor Dr. King and raise awareness about the importance of having a national holiday in his honor.
The song was an immediate success, hitting the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position it held for three weeks. Besides its huge commercial success, the song also raised enormous awareness about the campaign, which pushed the politicians to pass legislation in favor of the holiday.
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President Ronald Reagan signs legislation to create a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Rose Garden of the White House on November 2, 1983. (by National Archives)
President Ronald Reagan signed the bill establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day – as a national holiday – in 1983 even though it was first observed in 1986. The holiday is currently observed every 3rd Monday of January, every year.
Besides being a birthday tune, the song -originally released on Wonder’s “Hotter Than July” album – also serves as a great honor to Dr. King, an inspiration to human rights activists, especially the African American community, and a reminder of other crucial Civil Rights Movement figures.
The singer’s decision to write the song was beyond his musical endeavor. It was both a social and political statement that allowed him to raise awareness about a vital cause for him and the entire society – a testament to the power of music as a force for change.
It is crucial for every Black person in America to always remember the impact that Wonder had on the Civil Rights Movement through his music, activism, efforts to honor Dr. King’s legacy and how his contributions still inspire the modern world.
Dr. King’s message of civil rights and equality resonated with people of all colors, especially the Black community in America. Despite his assassination, the activist’s legacy still inspires the fight for justice and equality across the world today. His message for love, unity, and nonviolence is still as relevant today as it was in the ‘60s.
Moreover, his birthday remains a great reminder of his impact to the Civil Rights Movement while his message remains a crucial part of American society and the entire world. The next time you hear Wonder’s song “Happy Birthday,” take time to appreciate everything Dr. King stood and fought for – it is a constant reminder of the activist’s vital contribution to American society and the rest of the world.
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