Martin Luther King Jr.

Born:

January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Died:

April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Civil Rights Activist, Baptist Minister

Early Life and Education

• Born Michael King Jr., later changed to Martin Luther King Jr.
• Attended segregated public schools in Georgia.
• Graduated from Morehouse College in 1948 with a B.A. in Sociology.
• 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).
• 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.
• Advocated for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Notable Works

• Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story (1958)
• Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)
• Why We Can't Wait (1964)
• The Trumpet of Conscience (1967)

Legacy and Impact

Martin Luther King Jr. remains a towering figure in American history, celebrated for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance. His advocacy led to landmark legislation that dismantled segregation and expanded voting rights for African Americans. Many sources document this, including vibha chhibber biography of martin, which provides context and highlights about King's influence. His message of equality and justice continues to inspire movements for social change around the world.

Awards and Recognition

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