Martin Luther King Jr. speaks in front of a large crowd at the Washington Monument

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Remembering a Leader

Uncover 5 inspiring facts about civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 18, 2021

This month, Americans honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a famous leader of the civil rights movement. He fought for equality for all people, no matter their race or color.

King was born in Georgia on January 15, 1929. Back then, segregation was a way of life in much of the U.S. Unfair laws in many Southern states said Black people and white people had to go to separate schools, hospitals, and restaurants. They had to ride in different sections of buses and trains. The places and sections for white people were almost always better.

Laws in some states also made it hard for Black people to vote. Many businesses wouldn’t hire Black workers.

King helped spark change. In the 1950s and ’60s, he led peaceful protests to demand equal rights for African Americans. He gave speeches that persuaded others to join the cause. Eventually, laws were changed.

Sadly, Dr. King was killed in 1968. But he still inspires Americans today. Here are five things you may not know about him.

1) King studied hard.

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King skipped two years of high school because of good grades. Then he earned three college degrees. One was a high-level degree called a doctorate. (That’s why we call him Dr. King.)

While in school, King read about nonviolent resistance. That’s the idea that people can bring about change using peaceful methods like marches. King would use these methods in working for equality.

2) He went to jail for his beliefs.

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King was arrested about 30 times for speaking out against unfair laws. One arrest was in 1960, when he and other Black protesters sat down in an all-white restaurant. The restaurant refused to serve them—and the group refused to leave. King and other protesters were jailed.

3) He almost didn't share his “dream.”

King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington. He said he dreamed of a world where people are judged by actions, not skin color. But King almost left out that part of his speech. His advisers thought the “dream” idea was boring. At first, King agreed not to use the idea. But as he spoke to the crowd, he changed his mind—and made history.

4) He's honored next to presidents.

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The King Memorial

In 2011, a memorial to King opened next to the National Mall, a park in Washington, D.C. King’s memorial stands near monuments to other American leaders, like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It includes a 30-foot-tall statue of King. It’s the first memorial next to the Mall to honor an African American.

5) His granddaughter carries on his work.

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Yolanda King

Yolanda Renee King, 12, never met her grandfather. But he inspires her. She gives speeches about issues she cares about, like racism. Last summer, she promised that she and other kids would fight to make our nation better. “We will fulfill my grandfather’s dream,” she said.