Martin Luther King Jr.
- Born:
- Michael King Jr., January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Died:
- April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Baptist Minister, Civil Rights Activist, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born Michael King Jr., later changed to Martin Luther King Jr.
- Graduated from Morehouse College with a B.A. in Sociology (1948).
- Earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary (1951).
- Received a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University (1955).
Career and Major Achievements
- Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956).
- Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957.
- Organized numerous nonviolent protests and demonstrations for civil rights.
- Delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963).
- Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
- Advocated for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
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)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and his tireless efforts to end racial segregation and discrimination profoundly impacted American society and inspired movements for equality and justice around the world. As evidenced by the lasting impact of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, his work continues to shape the nation. The significance of Martin Luther King Jr. is still examined today, including in academic works like oren rudavsky biography of martin luther king, reflecting ongoing scholarship on his life and contributions.