Martin Luther King
Civil rights leader known for his 'I Have a Dream' speech, advocating for racial equality and an end to discrimination.
Religious Leader
January 15, 1929
Capricorn
April 04, 1968
39
Atlanta, Georgia
Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights leader, was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He emerged as a key figure in the fight for racial equality in the United States, leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott and co-founding the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). King organized numerous peaceful protests, including the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, calling for an end to racial discrimination and segregation.
King’s nonviolent approach to civil disobedience and his powerful oratory skills inspired millions of people around the world. He played a pivotal role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, landmark legislation that dismantled legal segregation and expanded voting rights for African Americans. In recognition of his nonviolent advocacy against racial inequality, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Tragically, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39. However, his legacy continues to inspire movements for social change and the pursuit of human rights globally. His birthday, January 15, is now observed as a national holiday in the United States, known as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to honor his legacy and promote civil rights. In 2021, the United States Congress passed the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Coin Act, authorizing the minting of commemorative coins to honor King’s contributions to civil rights. In 2023, a statue of King was unveiled in the United Kingdom, recognizing his global impact on social justice.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings and principles continue to be studied and celebrated in schools, universities, and communities worldwide, inspiring new generations to fight for equality and justice. His life and work serve as a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance and the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.