Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they'd die for.”1
As a scholar, activist, and orator, Dr. King perhaps knew what his impact on the world would be. He dedicated his life to nonviolently protesting and working for civil rights in the United States. His work played a role in the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was among the highest achievements of the civil rights era.2
King was assassinated in 1968, but his impact lives on. His words continue to inspire generations. In 1983, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became a federal holiday so we as a nation could honor his legacy.
It’s always interesting to learn more about a person whose legacy we celebrate. Here are some little-known facts about Martin Luther King, Jr.:3
- His birth name was Michael. When he was 5 years old, his father traveled to Germany and after being inspired by Protestant reformation leader Martin Luther, he changed both his and his son’s name.
- He went to college at age 15. The gifted student was able to skip grades 9 and 12 and enrolled at Morehouse College at age 15.
- His famed “I Have a Dream” speech wasn’t his first at the Lincoln Memorial. His first speech at the Lincoln Memorial was actually six years before his “I Have a Dream” speech on May 17, 1957, in which he spoke about voting rights.
Best wishes for this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. May you explore the impact and legacy you want to leave in this world.
Sources:
1 https://www.wishesmessagessayings.com/mlk-jr-quotes.html
3https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-martin-luther-king-jr
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