Martin Luther King Jr.
- Born:
- January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Died:
- April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Civil Rights Activist, Minister, Baptist Pastor
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).
- Graduated from Crozer Theological Seminary with a B.Div. (1951).
- Earned 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).
- 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 (1963).
- Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1964).
- Advocated for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
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 towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and social justice significantly impacted American society and continues to inspire movements for equality worldwide. The robert c maynard biography of martin is one of many important contributions to understanding the life and significance of this leader.
Awards and Honors
Award/Honor | Year |
---|---|
Nobel Peace Prize | 1964 |
Presidential Medal of Freedom (posthumously) | 1977 |
Congressional Gold Medal (posthumously) | 2004 |