Martin Luther King, Jr. – The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American Baptist minister, activist, and leader in the civil rights movement. Born in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, King became a prominent figure in the fight for racial equality in the United States. His nonviolent approach to protest and his powerful speeches continue to inspire people around the world.
Early Life
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. His father was a Baptist minister and his mother was a teacher. King was a gifted student and skipped two grades in high school, entering college at the age of 15. He went on to earn a doctorate in theology from Boston University.
Civil Rights Activism
King became involved in the civil rights movement in the 1950s, working to end segregation and discrimination against African Americans. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, which successfully challenged the city’s segregated bus system. He also helped organize the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Assassination and Legacy
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sparked riots and protests across the United States. King’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world, and his message of nonviolence and equality remains relevant today.