Explore 10 surprising facts about the civil rights leader. Updated: January 14, 2025 | Original: April 4, 2013. Baptist minister and social activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) As the U.S. comes together to celebrate his life and legacy on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, TIME has compiled a number of lesser-known facts about the man From his original birth name to the murky story of his assassination, learn some of the most fascinating Martin Luther King Jr. facts. From his formidable pool skills to his original birth name, learn something new about America's most famous activist. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) was one of the most prominent leaders of America's Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s. His words and actions have left a lasting Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday, was established in 1986 in honor of King’s life and work (the 3rd Monday of January). There are only three other Americans besides Dr. King to have their birthday observed as a national holiday — George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Cesar Chavez. Martin Luther King Jr's Day is a National Holiday in America. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill to honor King through a federal holiday. Since then, the annual commemoration has been set to third Monday of January, close to King’s birthday on January 15th. In honor of this newest temporary acquisition, here are five more facts about the life and work of King. Martin Luther King Jr. and Martin Luther King Sr. standing at a pulpit in Ebenezer Baptist Church. 1. Martin Luther King Jr. was named after Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Meet the civil rights leader in our Martin Luther King facts and discover how he changed history for millions of African-American people during the Civil Rights Movement Born: 15 January 1929. Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Occupation: Minister and activist. Died: 4 April 1968. Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" honors Martin Luther King Jr. Reuters In the wake of Dr. King's death in 1968, several notable figures found ways to honor him and aid in the push for MLK Day. As the U.S. celebrates the life of the civil rights hero on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, here are 10 surprising facts you may not know about him. 1. He wasn’t named Martin at birth. King was King County in Washington State took its name from a slaveowner, William Rufus King. In 1986, the council changed the namesake to Martin Luther King Jr. to honor the civil rights leader. Hundreds of streets around the country also bear his name. 46. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Martin Luther King Jr. Facts for Kids. American preacher, activist, and humanitarian, Martin Luther King Jr. is renowned for having contributed positively to the advancement of civil rights. One of the most significant leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, was a leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. 1. King Was Born Michael King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. was originally named Michael King Jr. after his father. However, after his father attended a conference in Germany in 1934, he became inspired by the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther and decided to change both his and his son’s names to Martin Luther. 2. He Was a Prodigy in School Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. His birth name was Michael King Jr., later changed to Martin in honor of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. He was the second child in a family of three siblings. King’s father was a preacher, influencing his path into ministry. Inside the Family Life of Martin Luther King Jr; Countdown to Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Weekend 2025; Martin Luther King Jr’s Challenges and Problem-Solving; Martin Luther King Jrs Major Accomplishments; Post Office Services on Martin Luther King Day; The Impact of the ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech on Its Audience; The Purpose Behind King’s wife, Coretta Scott King, founded Martin Luther King Jr. Day. After Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, Coretta made it her mission to ensure her husband Martin Luther King Jr., Day, in the United States, holiday (third Monday in January) honoring the achievements of the civil-rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Established as a federal holiday in 1983, it is usually celebrated with marches and parades and with speeches by civil rights and political leaders. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, as the anti-segregation tide became unstoppable in America. Honoring Reverend King with a Federal Holiday was not an easy road. It took 18 years to achieve. “Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not a black holiday; it is a people’s holiday.” Coretta Scott-King. 1. Following are some of the interesting and lesser-known facts about his life. Interesting Facts about Martin Luther King Jr.: Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. At birth, he was named Michael King Jr. His father later changed his name after being inspired by German monk and leader Martin Luther. King’s Whether you’re revisiting his legacy in 2025 or discovering it for the first time, here are 10 fascinating facts about Martin Luther King Jr. that go beyond the history books. 1. His Birth Name Wasn’t Martin. Martin Luther King Jr. was born as Michael King Jr. on January 15, 1929. His father, Michael King Sr., later changed both of their
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