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.
• Attended segregated public schools in Georgia.
• Graduated from Morehouse College with a B.A. in Sociology (1948).
• Graduated from Crozer Theological Seminary with a B.Div. (1951).
• Earned a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University (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) (1957), serving as its first president.
• Organized and participated in numerous nonviolent protests against segregation and racial discrimination.
• Led the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963).
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1964).
• Led the Selma to Montgomery marches (1965).
• Spoke out against the Vietnam War.

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)
• The Trumpet of Conscience (1968)

Legacy and Impact

Martin Luther King Jr.'s tireless advocacy for civil rights significantly advanced racial equality in the United States. His commitment to nonviolent resistance remains a powerful inspiration for social justice movements worldwide. As documented in sources like a luo zhongli biography of martin luther king, his influence is undeniable.

Awards and Recognition

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