Today we celebrate and remember Martin Luther King Jr., a man revered for his dedication and contributions to the American civil rights movement in the 1960’s and many more of his accomplishments. There will be parades, ceremonies, moments of silence, acts of service offerings, and many other festivities and ways to honor him in various communities across the U.S.
A strong advocate of non-violence in order to achieve civil rights, he led many peaceful protests, such as the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech which outlined his dream of a United States that is void of segregation and racism with over 200,000 people participating.
He accomplished so much and made such a huge difference within his 39 years of life. Below, is a partial list of facts about him you may or may not know.
His given name at birth was Michael, not Martin.
He entered college at 15 years old, skipping over 9th grade and 12th grade.
At just 28 years old, he gave his first address to the nation titled “Give Us The Ballot,” at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial
At 35 years old, he received a Nobel Peace Prize and was the youngest person to do-so, at the time
He donated his Nobel Peace Prize money, $ 54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.
Member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Studied theological studies for 3 years at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he was elected president of a predominantly white senior class.
Served as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.
From 1957 to 1968 (11 years), he logged over 6 million miles and spoke over 2,500 times.
He was arrested over 20 times; Assaulted at least 4 times.
Awarded 5 honorary degrees.
He was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1963.
A year after his “I Have a Dream” speech, President Johnson was able to get a law passed prohibiting all racial discrimination.
Sadly, on April 4, 1968, a day after delivering “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech in sympathy for the striking garbage workers in Memphis, Tennessee, he was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his hotel room.
In 1980, in celebration and honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Stevie Wonder’s released his Happy Birthday song.
During the polarizing times of today, King’s leadership and the “I Have a Dream” speech continue to impact civil rights movements, posthumously, and rightfully so.
Photo by LeeAnn Cline on Unsplash
