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Martin Luther King Jr. With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up, it is important to recognize how trailblazing his accomplishments were. Not only did he lead many gatherings and marches, but he is also recognized as a prominent leader of the civil rights movement during the mid-20th century.

Early Life

Michael King Jr., was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1948, he graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He then received his Doctorate in Systematic Theology from Boston University in 1955.

Early Career and Accomplishments

As the 1st President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Luther King Jr., he was able to confront law enforcement and mobilize several non-violent protests during the civil rights movement.

His role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott was of great importance as well. It took place from December 5, 1955 until December 20, 1956. This boycott served to address the Montgomery bus system's policy of racial inequality.

Martin Luther King Jr. led the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. It consisted of between 250,000-300,000 participants and was where he gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Luther King Jr.'s close relationship with the 36th U.S. President, Lyndon B. Johnson, brought about the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This act outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War.

Watch some of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most famous speeches

"I Have a Dream" speech delivered on August 28, 1963.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Nobel Peace Prize Speech delivered in 1964.

Martin Luther King's Riverside Church speech delivered on April 4, 1967.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader of the civil rights movement. His efforts are of great importance for African American history. Luther King Jr.'s fight towards racial equality highlight the work that is yet to be done.