That MLK was not born MLK might be news to some — as we prepare to celebrate the 36th federal Martin Luther King Day on Monday. But the name change is worth thinking about. Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr.; January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. Martin Luther King Jr. was born 90 years ago on Jan. 15, 1929. But the name on his original birth certificate was not Martin. As, for instance, the name change to "Martin Luther King." It was a gesture — to the larger world church of which he was a part, and also to the issues of equality that, he would have seen Why Martin Luther King Changed His Name to Honor the Original Martin Luther 5 minute read A statue of 16th-century theologian Martin Luther stands on Marktplatz square on Oct. 20, 2016 in If you ever found out that Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King Jr. you might be wondering why MLK changed his name. Perhaps you may have even seen his birth certificate, which shows the name Michael crossed out and the words “Martin Luther Jr.” written in, in a revision dated five years after his birth. That was his father's name. Then the senior King made a decision that would not only affect his son's life but also how a nation would come to view him: He changed his own name to Martin Luther King Sr. and his son to Martin Luther King Jr. The name was meant to invoke the name of the historical figure, Martin Luther. 1. King's Birth Name Was Michael, Not Martin. King was born Michael King Jr. on January 15, 1929. In 1934, however, his father, a pastor at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, traveled to Germany The fact that Martin Luther King Jr. was not born with that name may be unknown to some or surprising to others. He was born Michael King Jr. as his mother insisted that she named him Michael Explore Photos: Martin Luther King statues around the country (and beyond). When he returned to Atlanta, the senior King decided to change his name and his son's from Michael to Martin Luther As the nation recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a traditional celebration will take place locally. The 2025 MLK Day Beloved Community Commemorative Service kicks off at 9 a.m. on Monday Martin Luther King, Jr., grew up as the middle child of Michael (later Martin Luther) King, Sr., and Alberta Williams King. His father was the minister of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta—the same church where Martin Luther King, Jr., would eventually minister. The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will once again be celebrated and honored Monday in events around the nation. The Civil Rights icon, whose work to end segregation and racism The longest continually running high school basketball classic held in the name of Martin Luther King, Jr. to be played in an NCAA Division I arena. NOTE: The MLK Classic consists of power-point games that have been moved to McKale Center. AIA rankings are as of Friday, Jan. 17. MONDAY, JANUARY 20: MCKALE CENTER Elementary Michael Sr. eventually adopted the name Martin Luther King Sr. in honor of the German Protestant religious leader Martin Luther. In due time, Michael Jr. followed his father’s lead and adopt the Martin Luther King Day for the year 2035 is celebrated/ observed on Monday, January 15th.. Martin Luther King Day also called MLK Day, King Day, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday of January, which is close to King's actual birthday on January 15. In Idaho: "Martin Luther King Jr.–Idaho Human Rights Day". [28] In Mississippi: "Martin Luther King's and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays". [29] In New Hampshire: "Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Day". [30] In Virginia: it was known as Lee–Jackson–King Day, combining King's birthday with the established Lee–Jackson Day. [31] Any Name Type - Usernames, gamertags, personality, brand names, etc. Save your Favorites - Keep track of your top picks and organize them with ease. Exclusive Features - Access unique tools and options only available in the app. WRTV's Ray Steele tells us that if something had not happened nearly 80 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. Day might have had a different name. When was MLK Jr. born?, Where was MLK Jr. born?, What University did MLK attend?, What was his parents name? Bio. Family. MLK Day. Random Facts. I HAVE A DREAM. 100.
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