Martin Luther King Day is the celebration of the civil rights activist's birthday that falls in January. However, the federal holiday is not celebrated on Martin Luther King Jr.'s actual birthday, i.e.

"While others were advocating for freedom by 'any means necessary,' including violence, Martin Luther King Jr. used the power of words and acts of nonviolent resistance, such as protests, grassroots organizing, and civil disobedience to achieve seemingly impossible goals," according to The King Center.

Several Memphis Grizzlies players have been introduced to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in different ways through their varied upbringings.