Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal figure in American history, renowned for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and his unwavering commitment to social justice and equality. His legacy continues to inspire people worldwide in the struggle against racism and oppression.

ABOUT

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. King is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, tactics his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi helped inspire.

King led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott following Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat to a white man. He later became the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). With the organization, he spearheaded several nonviolent protests aimed at ending segregation and voter suppression.

BEFORE FAME

Martin Luther King Jr. was born to Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. He attended Booker T. Washington High School, where he skipped both the ninth and twelfth grades and entered Morehouse College at the age of 15. King graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1948. He then enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1951. King pursued further education at Boston University, where he received his doctorate in systematic theology in 1955.

TRIVIA

• King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech was delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history.
• He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at the age of 35, making him the youngest recipient at the time.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a national holiday in the United States in 1986, making him one of only three individuals to have a national holiday dedicated to them in the U.S.
• King's philosophy of nonviolence remains a foundation for various global movements and protests advocating for human rights.

FAMILY LIFE

Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott on June 18, 1953, and together they had four children: Yolanda, Martin Luther III, Dexter Scott, and Bernice. Coretta was an influential civil rights leader in her own right, serving as a key partner in King's work and continuing his legacy after his assassination.

King was deeply influenced by his family background, particularly his father, Martin Luther King Sr., who was a prominent pastor and also involved in the fight for racial equality.

ASSOCIATED WITH

King's work was closely associated with several key figures of the Civil Rights Movement, including Ralph Abernathy, John Lewis, and Bayard Rustin. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, and he also maintained relationships with political leaders and activists, such as President Lyndon B. Johnson and Malcolm X, although his relationships with these figures were often complex and multifaceted.

King's impact extends beyond his lifetime, with his teachings and actions continuing to influence and inspire future generations of leaders globally, including figures like Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in their struggles against apartheid in South Africa.

In remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr., his message of justice, equality, and love remains a guiding light for the ongoing fight for civil rights and freedom around the world.