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

Early Life and Education

• Born Michael King Jr., later changed to Martin Luther King Jr.
• Father was Martin Luther King Sr., a Baptist pastor.
• Attended segregated public schools in Georgia.
• 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

• Pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama (1954-1960).
• Leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956).
• Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957.
• Led numerous nonviolent protests against racial segregation and discrimination.
• Organized the Birmingham Campaign in 1963.
• 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.
• Led the Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights in 1965.
• Advocated for economic justice through the Poor People's Campaign.

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. was a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and his commitment to racial equality helped dismantle segregation and secure landmark civil rights legislation. His speeches and writings continue to inspire movements for social justice around the world. This biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. provides a brief overview of his life and work.

Awards and Recognition

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