Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in his office with his wife, Coretta, in Atlanta, Georgia, [1962]. Herald Examiner Collection
The birthday of civil activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated on the third Monday of January in the United States. Dr. King fought for the civil rights of African-Americans with peaceful demonstrations. It was after his death that there was a movement to make his birthday a holiday. In 1980 Stevie Wonder wrote and sang the song "Happy Birthday" to give attention to this movement. Finally, 15 years after Dr. King's death in 1983, Congress passed the legislation, which was signed into law by the president.
Here are five interesting facts about the legendary civil activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
- Michael King Jr. (his original name) was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929. At age 5, his father changed his name to Martin Luther in honor of the German theologian of the same name.
- Dr. King was very intelligent, which is why he advanced two grades in high school and began his studies at the age of 15 at Morehouse College.
- In 1964 he received the Nobel Peace Prize making him one of the youngest people to receive it.
- He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, TN. This happened ten years after an attempt on his life in 1958.
- More than 900 streets in the United States are named after Martin Luther King Jr.
Thanks to the fight of Martin Luther King Jr., the laws changed to give African Americans and other minority communities more equality.
Further Reading
The Essential Martin Luther King Jr.
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.
King: Man Of Peace In A Time Of War