Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Here are some facts you may not know about the world-renowned nonviolent civil rights leader.
King was originally
named Michael
King was originally named Michael
Michael King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 and was named after his father. However, his father changed his name, and his son’s to Martin five years later after being inspired by Martin Luther, a Protestant Reformation leader.
Source: history.com
King skipped
two grades
King skipped two grades
King skipped two grades in high school and started attending Morehouse College at the age of 15, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology. He continued his education with a Bachelor of Divinity degree and a doctorate in systematic theology.
Source: usatoday.com
King won a
Nobel Peace Prize
King won a Nobel Peace Prize
King was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to him on Oct. 14, 1964 at the age of 35. King donated the prize money to various civil rights movements.
Source: nytimes.com
King led the
Montgomery Bus Boycott
King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott
After Rosa Parks was arrested in Alabama for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger, King, with E.D. Nixon and Parks, led the Montgomery Bus Boycott which lasted for 382 days. Through this boycott and legal actions, the City of Montgomery lifted the law requiring segregated seating on public transportation.
Source: biography.com
King had a dream
King had a dream
While King is most remembered for his “I have a dream” address on August 28, 1963, it was not his first speech given at Lincoln Memorial. Six years earlier, he gave his first national address on the topic of voting rights on May 17, 1957.
Source: history.com
King is
celebrated nationally
King is celebrated nationally
President Ronald Regan signed a bill in 1983, making Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a nationally observed holiday. It took three years for all 50 states to recognize the holiday. King is the only non-president to receive such an honor.
Source: theculturetrip.com