Martin Luther King Jr.

Born:

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.
• Father was a Baptist pastor and civil rights activist.
• 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, serving as its first president.
• Organized and participated in numerous nonviolent protests and demonstrations, including the Birmingham Campaign (1963).
• Delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963).
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work in promoting nonviolence and civil rights.
• Played a significant role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Spearheaded the Poor People's Campaign (1968) to address economic inequality.
• His work on civil rights makes a 'rel hunt biography of martin luther king' essential for understanding the era.

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.'s advocacy for nonviolent resistance and civil rights profoundly shaped the United States. His work continues to inspire movements for social justice and equality around the world, ensuring he remains a pivotal figure in modern history.

Awards and Recognition

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