Martin Luther King Jr.

Born:

January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Died:

April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Baptist Minister, Activist, Civil Rights Leader

Early Life and Education

• Born Michael King Jr., later changed to Martin Luther King Jr. in honor of his father.
• Graduated from Morehouse College with a B.A. in Sociology in 1948.
• Received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951.
• Earned 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 against segregation and racial 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.
• Continued advocating for economic justice and an end to poverty.
• Worked on the Poor People's Campaign to address poverty across racial lines.
• While many explore the details, this document provides a summary, much like a concise 'michael lee west biography of martin' might.

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)
• Numerous essays, speeches, and letters.

Legacy and Impact

Martin Luther King Jr. remains a pivotal figure in American history, celebrated for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance. His advocacy led to significant legislative achievements, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His teachings continue to inspire movements for social justice and equality worldwide.

Awards and Recognition

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