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 (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) (1957).
• Organized numerous nonviolent protests against racial segregation and discrimination.
• Delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington (1963).
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1964).

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 exploration of Martin Luther King Jr. autobiography books allows for profound insights into his life and philosophy.

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 commitment to nonviolent social change. His efforts led to landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, significantly advancing racial equality in the United States. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance continues to inspire movements for social justice worldwide.

Awards and Recognition

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