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, Author

Early Life and Education

• Born Michael King Jr., later changed to Martin Luther King Jr.
• Attended Morehouse College, graduating 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

• Served as 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 advocating for civil rights.
• Delivered the iconic "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.
• Led the Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights in 1965.

Notable Works

• Books:
  • 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 central figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and his powerful speeches helped to dismantle legal segregation and advance the cause of racial equality. His legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice around the world. The complexities and impact of Dr. King are subjects of continuous study, as exemplified in works such as what some might call a 'budd boetticher biography of martin luther king', delving into different interpretations and perspectives of his life and work.

Awards and Recognition

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