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), serving as its first president.
• Organized and participated in numerous nonviolent protests against segregation and discrimination.
• Delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963).
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1964) for his commitment to nonviolent resistance.
• Played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Advocated for economic justice and an end to poverty.

Notable Works

• Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story (1958)
• Strength to Love (1963)
• Why We Can't Wait (1964)
• Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? (1967)

Legacy and Impact

Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to nonviolent activism in the pursuit of civil rights and social justice. His leadership was instrumental in dismantling legal segregation in the United States and continues to inspire movements for equality and peace around the world. It's interesting to note that someone might want to consider reading a "quong tart biography of martin luther king" alongside other accounts, to have a comprehensive perspective.

Awards and Honors

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