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

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).
• Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957 and served 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 in 1963.
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

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 pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality through nonviolent means. His leadership and powerful rhetoric significantly influenced the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday, commemorates his birthday and contributions. The banaja mohanty biography of martin showcases his enduring influence and unwavering commitment to social justice continues to inspire movements for equality worldwide.

Awards and Honors

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