Martin Luther King Jr.: A Life of Courage and Leadership

Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929. His father was a minister, and his mother was a teacher. King grew up in a segregated society, where African Americans were denied basic rights and opportunities. Despite the challenges he faced, King became a leader in the civil rights movement. He fought for equality and justice for all, and his nonviolent approach to protest helped to bring about significant change in the United States.

Early Life and Education

King was a bright and inquisitive child. He skipped two grades in elementary school and graduated from high school at the age of 15. He went on to attend Morehouse College, where he studied sociology and religion. In 1951, he graduated from Morehouse with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

DK Life Stories Martin Luther King Jr

by Laurie Calkhoven

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Language	:	English
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King then attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he studied theology and ethics. In 1955, he graduated from Crozer with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in systematic theology from Boston University in 1959.

Civil Rights Activism

King began his civil rights activism while he was a student at Morehouse College. In 1948, he helped to organize a boycott of the Atlanta transit system after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man. The boycott lasted for over a year and resulted in the desegregation of the Atlanta transit system.

In 1955, King became the leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The boycott was sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks, and it lasted for over a year. The boycott was successful in desegregating the Montgomery bus system.

King's success in Montgomery made him a national leader in the civil rights movement. He helped to organize and lead nonviolent protests against segregation and discrimination throughout the United States. In 1963, he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The speech was a powerful call for equality and justice for all, and it helped to inspire millions of people around the world.

Assassination

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was shot by James Earl Ray, a white supremacist. King's assassination shocked the nation and led to widespread rioting and protests.

King's legacy continues to inspire people around the world. He is remembered as a courageous and compassionate leader who fought for equality and justice for all.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a visionary leader who changed the course of history. His life and work continue to inspire people around the world to fight for justice and equality.

DK Life Stories Martin Luther King Jr

by Laurie Calkhoven

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26805 KB
Print length	:	127 pages

FREE