Baptist and social activist Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to nonviolent struggle and justice. He also played a key role in the American Civil Rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968.
Who was Martin Luther King Jr?
Martin Luther King Jr. is an influential personality in history. He was born on 15 January 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the second child of Martin Luther King Sr., a pastor by profession, and Alberta Williams King, a former school teacher. He grew up along with his older sister Christine, and younger brother Alfred Daniel Williams in the city’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist and social activist who played a pivotal in the American Civil Rights movements, from the mid-1950s till he was assassinated in 1968. He secured equality and human rights for the African American community, victims of injustice, and the economically backward.
He was a follower of the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and had Christian faith and beliefs. He was a driving force behind events like Montgomery Bus Boycott and the march at Washington. He brought about reformations and enforced the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1964. This day is celebrated each year as a US federal holiday since 1986. Here are some unknown facts about Martin Luther King Jr.
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Facts About Martin Luther King Jr
1. His name was not originally Martin
Dr. King’s given name was previously Michael, after his Father Rev. Michael King Sir. In 1934, after King Sr. attended an international Baptist conference in Germany. There he was inspired by the 16th-century religious thinker Martin Luther and decided to change both his, and his son’s name.
2. He stood up against racism from a young age
After King experienced his first confrontation against racism and segregation, he became passionate to fight against it from a young age. As a child, his white friend suddenly objected to playing with him, this betrayal instigated him to fight against racism. He didn’t aspire to become a minister like his father, but was later inspired to use ministry as a medium for racial reform and social justice.
3. King was expelled from first grade and eventually skipped two more schooling years
King enrolled in the first grade at the mere age of 5 years but was expelled by his teacher because he was too young, as per the education guidelines. Later, he skipped 9th and 12th grade because of his extraordinary academic achievements. He further enrolled in college when he was just 15 years old. He enrolled in Morehouse College where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in sociology. And went on to earn his Ph.D. degree in systematic theology from Boston University, where he also met his wife.
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4. His first job involved working for the newspaper
Initially, he worked for the newspaper. But because of his strong work ethic, he was promoted and became the youngest assistant manager for The Atlanta Journal delivery station, at the young age of 13 years.
Some Quick Facts About Martin Luther King Jr.
- Martin Luther King Jr. got married to Coretta Scott King on 18 June 1953.
- King delivered around 2500 speeches and was not an extraordinary public speaker despite his brilliant mind. In his speeches, he addressed issues such as inequality, racism, and segregation.
- He was naturally gifted and skipped grades 9 to 12th. He enrolled in college in the year 1944 at a tender age.
- After graduating from college, King acquired his Ph.D. degree from Boston University in 1955.
- “I have a dream” was a popular speech delivered by him.
- He is the only American other than George Washington whose birthday is observed as a national holiday.
Outlook
These are some wonderful facts about Martin Luther King Jr. He had delivered multiple speeches on social justice and led America in the Civil Rights movement. He is a great reformer and will always be remembered. It is believed, that his last speech was the cause of his assassination. But he almost died even years before his assassination.
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