One of America's greatest heroes is Martin Luther King Jr. He battled to repeal discriminatory laws against African Americans in the 1950s and 1960s. He strove to ensure that all citizens in the United States have the same rights.The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were greatly influenced by Martin Luther King Jr. The Civil Rights Act made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of "race, color, religion, or national origin" in the workplace and public places. The Voting Rights Act ensures that African Americans can exercise their right to vote.Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is honored every year on the third Monday in January in the United States. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and work are commemorated on this day.