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.
- Graduated from Morehouse College 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
- Pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama (1954-1960).
- Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956).
- Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957 and served as its first president.
- Organized and participated in numerous nonviolent protests 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.
- Led the Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights in 1965.
- Opposed the Vietnam War in his later years.
Notable Works
- Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story (1958)
- Letter from Birmingham Jail (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 unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance and social justice played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights in the United States. His leadership and advocacy led to the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The enduring relevance of the principles and ideals espoused in this martin luhter king biography ensures his continuing influence on movements for equality and human rights worldwide.