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

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 in 1948.
• Received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951.
• Earned 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 president.
• Organized and participated in numerous nonviolent protests, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
• Advocated for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Spearheaded the Poor People's Campaign in 1968.

Notable Works

• Stride Toward Freedom (1958)
• Strength to Love (1963)
• Why We Can't Wait (1964)
• Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? (1967)
• "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (1963)
• "I Have a Dream" speech (1963)

Legacy and Impact

Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, championing racial equality through nonviolent means. His activism and powerful oratory helped dismantle legal segregation and advance civil rights for African Americans. His teachings continue to inspire movements for justice and equality worldwide. The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. is immense, and a detailed exploration can be found in many sources, including, perhaps, an 'abolghassem ghaffari biography of martin luther king'.

Awards and Recognition

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