"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.

Organizations across the NYC area are marking MLK Day with special events honoring the civil rights leader's legacy.

Federal and state offices, banks, as well as postal and trash services will be closed or suspended Monday. Here’s what else you should know.