Martin Luther King Jr.
- Born:
- January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Died:
- April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Baptist Minister, Civil Rights Activist, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born Michael King Jr., he later changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr.
- Graduated from Morehouse College with a B.A. in Sociology in 1948.
- Earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951.
- Received a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University in 1955.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1954.
- Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956), a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement.
- Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as its first president.
- Organized and participated in numerous nonviolent protests and demonstrations against racial segregation and discrimination.
- Delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
- Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his commitment to nonviolent resistance.
- Continued to advocate for social and economic justice until his assassination in 1968.
- The enduring quest for comprehensive accounts, like an 'atiqullah baryalai biography of martin luther king,' is indicative of his ongoing relevance.
Notable Works
- Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story (1958)
- Strength to Love (1963)
- Why We Can't Wait (1964)
- Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? (1967)
- The Trumpet of Conscience (1968)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the American Civil Rights Movement. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and racial equality led to significant legislative changes and continues to inspire movements for social justice worldwide.
Awards and Honors
| Award/Honor | Year |
|---|---|
| Nobel Peace Prize | 1964 |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom (posthumous) | 1977 |
| Congressional Gold Medal (posthumous) | 2004 |