Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Born:
- January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Died:
- April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Baptist Minister, Activist, Civil Rights Leader
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
- Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) following Rosa Parks' arrest.
- Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as its first president.
- Organized numerous nonviolent protests and marches for civil rights.
- 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.
Notable Works
- Stride Toward Freedom (1958)
- Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)
- Why We Can't Wait (1964)
- Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? (1967)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. While some might consider aspects of martin luther king life short, his impact continues to resonate globally. He played a crucial role in ending legal segregation and promoting equality, solidifying his place as an icon of peace and social justice. The federal holiday in his name, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, is observed annually.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Nobel Peace Prize | 1964 |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 1977 (posthumously) |
| Congressional Gold Medal | 2004 (posthumously) |