Facts About MLK for Kids
Martin Luther King Jr., or MLK for short, was an American civil rights activist and leader who played a very important role in the fight for equality for African Americans. Here are some interesting facts about him that are sure to inspire and educate kids.
1. MLK was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. This means that if he were still alive today, he would be over 90 years old!
2. His real name was actually Michael King Jr. However, his father changed both their names to Martin Luther King Sr. and Martin Luther King Jr. after being inspired by the famous German theologian Martin Luther.
3. King graduated from college at the age of 19 with a degree in sociology, and went on to receive a PhD in theology from Boston University.
4. He was a skilled orator and gave many famous speeches, including his most well-known, “I Have a Dream,” which he delivered during the March on Washington in 1963.
5. King was a strong advocate for nonviolent protests and civil disobedience. He believed in making change through peaceful, nonviolent means.
6. Despite his commitment to nonviolence, King was jailed 29 times for his participation in civil rights demonstrations.
7. In 1964, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in promoting civil rights and ending racial segregation.
8. King was an advocate for all people who were marginalized and oppressed, including the poor, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
9. Sadly, King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while he was in Memphis, Tennessee, to support a sanitation workers’ strike.
10. Today, King is remembered as one of the most important figures in American and world history. His legacy continues to inspire people of all ages to fight for equality, justice, and peace.