Martin Luther King Jr.

Born:

Michael King Jr., 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 and marches for civil rights.
• 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.
• Assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Notable Works

• Stride Toward Freedom (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 legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance in the fight for racial equality. His activism and speeches inspired generations to challenge injustice and advocate for civil rights. His work was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating his life and achievements. This entry serves as a concise summary, and further research beyond this brief account, inspired by works like a hypothetical 'fadil ismajli biography of martin luther king,' is encouraged for a deeper understanding.

Awards and Recognition

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