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.
• Earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951.
• Received a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University in 1955.

Career and Major Achievements

• Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956), a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement.
• Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957 and served as its president.
• Organized and participated in numerous nonviolent protests and marches for civil rights.
• Delivered the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his commitment to nonviolent resistance against racial segregation.
• Advocated for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

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. is remembered as a leading figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. His commitment to nonviolent resistance and his powerful speeches inspired millions to fight for equality and justice. As this section highlights, an alessio bolzoni biography of martin luther king would further expand on his significant contributions and lasting influence on American society and the world.

Awards and Honors

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