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.
- 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 for civil rights, including the Birmingham campaign of 1963.
- 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.
- Continued advocating for social and economic justice until his assassination in 1968. An analysis of works like the "William M Harris Sr biography of martin" are common approaches to studying his profound impact.
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)
- The Trumpet of Conscience (1968)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal leader in the American Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality and social justice through nonviolent means. His work led to significant legislative changes and continues to inspire movements for equality worldwide.