Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929. This month, millions of people around the country will celebrate the Civil Rights Movement icon.
MLK was a pastor, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his “I Have a Dream” speech, calling for an end to racism in the United States. While he was assassinated in 1968, his legacy lives on still today. Take a look at these interesting facts about the life of MLK.
1. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Boy Scout. From age 11 to age 13, King was registered as a member of Troop 151 in Atlanta.
2. His birth name was Michael, not Martin. His name was later changed an homage to Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther.
3. He started college at 15 years old. King was a gifted student. So much so that he skipped grades nine and 12.
4. George Washington is the only other American to have had his birthday observed as a national holiday. The holiday is celebrated on the third Monday in January, close to the civil rights leader’s January 15 birthday.
5. At the age of 35, King was the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
6. More than 1,000 American streets are named after Martin Luther King Jr.
7. One of his main influences was Mohandas Gandhi who inspired him to protest in a non-violent manner.
Wow! When I was 5 I thought MLK’s father was Martin Luther. I never knew he was named after him. I wish I had met him…