Martin Luther King Jr.
- Born:
- January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Died:
- April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Baptist Minister, Activist, Civil Rights Leader
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
- Pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama (1954-1960).
- 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, serving as its first president.
- Organized and participated in numerous nonviolent protests and demonstrations against racial segregation and discrimination.
- 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 for his commitment to nonviolent resistance.
- Championed the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- Initiated the Poor People's Campaign in 1968 to address economic inequality.
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. was a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality and justice through nonviolent means. His leadership, speeches, and activism played a crucial role in dismantling segregation and securing legal rights for African Americans. Even years after his passing, scholars continue to examine his legacy, including works like a hypothetical 'raoul vaneigem biography of martin luther king', which might explore his influence on subsequent social movements.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Nobel Peace Prize | 1964 |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom (posthumous) | 1977 |
| Congressional Gold Medal (posthumous) | 2004 |