Introduction
Martin Luther King Jr. was born with the name of Michael King Jr. on 15 January. He was an American politician & activist. Martin Luther King Jr. was well known for his involvement in the US Civil Rights Movement. He believed in non-violence and was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
Early Life
Martin Luther King Jr. was born Micheal King Jr. on January 15, 1929, in Georgia, United States of America. When he was young, he had a friend who was white. But, to their skin colour, both the young lads had to attend different schools. After a while, the white boy stopped meeting King Jr. stating that “we are white & you are coloured.” This hurt King Jr. and the boy went back to his parents for clarification.
When King’s parents got to know about the happening, they had a long discussion on slavery & racism in America. When King got to know about the hatred, violence, and oppression he started hating white people. But, his parents, being good Christians, advised him not to. As their duty was to love all human beings.
In High School, King was well known for his public speaking skills. He chose English & Sociology as his main subjects while at school.
Education & Profession
In 1951, King began doctoral studies in systematic theology at Boston University. He also attended philosophy classes at Harvard University as an audit student in 1952 and ‘53. He received his Ph.D. degree on June 5, 1955. By then he was appointed as a pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. He was 24 when he was appointed as the pastor.
While working he met with Coretta Scott, a student of New England Conservatory of Music, and married her. He married on June 18, 1953 in his hometown.
A Life of Activism
In March 1955, Claudwttw Colvin, a fifteen year old black schoolgirl in Montgomery, stood up against racial segregation. But, this incident involved a minor, and so the incident was let go. But, nine months later, a similar incident occurred with another black woman named Rosa Parks. She was arrested because of not giving up. King initiated a movement known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 385 days. In this time period, his house was bombed, he was arrested and in the end the United States of America changed the law and racial segregation became illegal.
Awards & Recognitions
King Jr, had at least 50 honorary degrees from universities & colleges. At the time he was the youngest to win the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to him for leading nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice in the USA.