Early Years
Martin Luther King Jr was born on January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the middle child of Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King, and the grandson of the Reverend A.D. Williams, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. His given name at birth was Michael King Jr, but his father changed both of their names to Martin Luther in honor of the German Protestant leader in the sixteenth century.
In 1953, Martin Luther King Jr married Coretta Scott, who was an active participant in the civil rights movement with her husband. Together they had four children: Yolanda, Martin Luther III, Dexter and Bernice.
Influences
Martin Luther King Jr was heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance, as well as by the Christian faith, which his father and grandfather had both preached. Additionally, he was inspired by the works of Henry David Thoreau, Reinhold Niebuhr, and other social philosophers of his time.
Career
Martin Luther King Jr began his civil rights activism in 1955 when he became the leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, and in 1957 he helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which organized protests, boycotts, and other peaceful protests to achieve civil rights for African Americans. He was a key figure in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Selma
Martin Luther King Jr. was an influential leader in the civil rights movement in the city of Selma, Alabama. His actions and campaigns, such as the Selma to Montgomery march, also known as “Bloody Sunday”, were critical in the effort to secure voting rights for African Americans. His courage and tenacity in the face of violent opposition was an inspiration to civil rights activists all around the world, and ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This was a monumental accomplishment for civil rights advocates, and it remains a major milestone in the history of civil rights in the United States.
Children's March
The Children's March of 1965 was an initiative launched by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. This march was organized in response to the violent suppression of civil rights protests in Selma, Alabama, and was led by young African American children. It was meant to demonstrate the power of peaceful civil disobedience, and it was a major success for the civil rights movement. The march was a powerful display of the potential of non-violent resistance, and its legacy still resonates today.
Letter from Jail
In April of 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a letter from a Birmingham jail in response to eight white clergymen who had publicly criticized him and the civil rights movement. This letter, now commonly known as the "Letter from Birmingham Jail", is considered one of the most important documents of the civil rights movement. It was an impassioned defense of the civil rights struggle and its goals, and it played a major role in gaining public support for the cause. The letter is still widely read today as an inspiring example of moral courage and nonviolent resistance.
March on Washington
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was a historic event in the civil rights movement, and it was led by Martin Luther King Jr. On the 28th of August, 1963, around 250,000 people marched on the nation's capital to call for civil rights reform. This march is remembered for King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, which has become an enduring symbol of the fight for civil rights in America. The march was a major turning point in the struggle for civil rights, as it demonstrated the power of peaceful and organized protest. Its legacy is still felt today, as it continues to inspire people around the world to stand up for their rights and fight for justice.
Accomplishments
During his life, Martin Luther King Jr. achieved many accomplishments, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, and numerous other honors and awards. He was also the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, at the age of 35.
Legacy
Martin Luther King Jr. left behind a legacy of hope and progress for African Americans and for civil rights advocates around the world. His legacy continues to this day, with his words and actions inspiring people to fight for justice and equality. His life and work has been honored with a national holiday and a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
