HISTORY
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968) was a civil rights leader and Baptist minister who advocated for nonviolent resistance against racial segregation. He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, and played a key role in the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. He was arrested multiple times, met with U.S. presidents, and won the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for equality and justice.
EARLY LIFE
Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia. His father, Michael King Sr., later renamed himself and his son after the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. King Jr. was the second of three children born to Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta King. His father became pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, growing its congregation significantly. In 1934, after a trip to Germany, King Sr. adopted his new name, officially changing his son’s name as well.
INTERESTING FACTS
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Born as Michael King Jr. in the U.S.; later renamed Martin Luther King Jr. by his father.
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Grew up under segregation, where Black and white people were separated by law.
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Experienced racism at age six when his white friend was forbidden to play with him.
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Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955) after Rosa Parks’ arrest; it lasted 381 days and ended segregation on buses.
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Advocated nonviolent protest, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, even when met with violence.
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Delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech (1963) at the March on Washington before 250,000 people.
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Civil Rights Act passed in 1964, outlawing racial segregation and discrimination.
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Won the Nobel Peace Prize (1964) for his leadership in the civil rights movement.
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Assassinated in 1968 in Tennessee after giving a speech the previous day.
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Honored with a Washington D.C. memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday.
ACHIEVEMENTS
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Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) – Led a successful 381-day boycott, ending racial segregation on public buses.
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Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1957) – Co-founded and became the first president of the SCLC, promoting nonviolent civil rights activism.
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“I Have a Dream” Speech (1963) – Delivered one of history’s most iconic speeches during the March on Washington, advocating racial equality.
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Birmingham Campaign (1963) – Led nonviolent protests against segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, bringing national attention to racial injustice.
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Civil Rights Act of 1964 – His activism helped pass this landmark law, which outlawed racial segregation and discrimination.
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Nobel Peace Prize (1964) – Became the youngest recipient at the time for his efforts in the civil rights movement.
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Voting Rights Act of 1965 – His leadership in the Selma-to-Montgomery marches contributed to the passage of this act, securing voting rights for African Americans.
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Poor People’s Campaign (1968) – Advocated for economic justice and equality for all disadvantaged Americans.
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Fair Housing Act (1968) – His activism influenced this law, which banned housing discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
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Enduring Legacy – Inspired global movements for justice and equality, with Martin Luther King Jr. Day established as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986.