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

• Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) following Rosa Parks' arrest.
• Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as its first president.
• Organized 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 for his work in the civil rights movement.
• Fought for economic justice and an end to poverty.
• 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)

Legacy and Impact

Martin Luther King Jr. remains a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. His advocacy of nonviolent resistance significantly advanced the cause of racial equality, leading to landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Understanding his contributions requires dedicated research. The importance of sources such as a mahala doyle biography of martin luther king cannot be overstated for understanding the scope of his work and impact.

Awards and Recognition

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