Every year, War on Poverty Day is observed on January 8. War on Poverty is an unofficial name for legislation first introduced by United States President Lyndon B. Johnson during his State of the Union address on January 8, 1964. The day has great significance as the programs established by the Act were aimed at eliminating poverty by improving living conditions for residents of low-income neighbourhoods and by helping the poor access economic opportunities long denied to them. As we observe the War on Poverty Day 2023, here’s all we need to know about its history and significance. World Day for War Orphans 2023 Date and Significance: Know History of the Global Event Highlighting Challenges Faced by Children Due to War Situations.

History of War on Poverty Day

Lyndon B. Johnson unofficially introduced the War on Poverty in his State of the Union address on January 8, 1964. After this speech, the Economic Poverty Act was passed, leading to actions aimed at reducing poverty levels and improving living conditions. Johnson proposed this legislation in response to a national poverty rate of around nineteen per cent. According to historical records, the speech led the United States Congress to pass the Economic Opportunity Act, which established the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) to administer the local application of federal funds targeted against poverty.

Records state that in the decade after the 1964 introduction of the war on poverty, poverty rates in the US dropped to their lowest level. Also, a 2019 National Bureau of Economic Research paper found that according to Johnson's standard of poverty, the poverty rate declined from 19.5 percent in 1963 to 2.3 percent in 2017.

Significance of War on Poverty Day

War on Poverty Day has great significance and serves as a perfect reminder to raise awareness about the importance of eradicating poverty worldwide. The day encourages people of the world to continue to work toward future generations and collectively take responsibility for this cause. On this day, you can learn about the needs of others and focus on working together to bring balance to the world. One of the most common and great ways to help the poor is by donating or helping underprivileged children with reading or charity work.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2023 10:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).