As Atlanta prepares to honor one of its most iconic native sons in the days ahead, a national report highlights that two Southern states—Mississippi and Alabama—still combine the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Robert E. Lee Day on the same date.

Here in Georgia, state offices, schools, and many businesses across metro Atlanta will close on Monday, January 19, 2026, solely in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Georgia long ago moved away from linking any commemoration of the Confederate general to the federal holiday celebrating Dr. King, who was born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929, and whose legacy of nonviolent civil rights activism continues to shape the city and nation.

The practice of combining the two observances dates back to the 1980s in certain states, when lawmakers added the new federal MLK holiday (first observed in 1986) to an existing state holiday marking Lee’s birth on January 19, 1807.

Efforts in Mississippi and Alabama to separate the holidays or remove the Lee designation have repeatedly failed in recent legislative sessions. Har tip to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger for wring about this.

MLK Day in Georgia

By contrast, Georgia reformed its holiday calendar years ago. What was once listed in some contexts as a day tied to Lee is now simply observed as an unnamed state holiday on the day after Thanksgiving (a date shared with Black Friday shopping in 2026).

The state no longer ties any Confederate figure to the January MLK observance.

In Atlanta, the focus this week remains firmly on Dr. King’s life and work.

The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change has announced a full schedule of events for the 2026 King Holiday Observance, running from January 12 through January 19. Highlights include:

  • The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday March and Rally on Monday, January 19, assembling at 1:00 PM at the corner of Baker and Peachtree streets in downtown Atlanta.
  • Special recognitions for honorees such as Viola Davis (Coretta Scott King Soul of the Nation Award), Billie Eilish (Environmental Justice Award), philanthropist Robert F. Smith (Salute to Greatness Humanitarian Award), and others.
  • Community services, vesper services, forums, and more at locations including Ebenezer Baptist Church, Morehouse College, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Federal offices, banks, and many private employers in the Atlanta area will also observe the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with no official recognition of Robert E. Lee attached.

Final Words

While some Southern states maintain other Confederate-related observances on different dates (such as Confederate Memorial Day in April in several states), Georgia’s approach emphasizes Dr. King’s birthday as a standalone day of reflection, service, and unity.

Residents are encouraged to check local event listings and participate in volunteer opportunities across metro Atlanta to mark the occasion in the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings.