32 things you probably didn't know about Martin Luther King Jr.

Savanna Swain-WilsonJan 14, 2022, 21:14 IST

Martin Luther King Jr. with his wife, Coretta Scott King.AP Photo/Gene Herrick

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil-rights activist who helped end segregation in the US.
Martin isn't his given name — he was born Michael King Jr., after his father.

He is the only American, other than George Washington, whose birthday is a national holiday.

George Washington's birthday is celebrated on February 17.DeAgostini/Getty Images

Stevie Wonder wrote a song to honor the late activist.

Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" honors Martin Luther King Jr.Reuters

Dr. King was always a natural in front of a crowd.

Martin Luther King Jr. is considered one of the best speakers in American history.AP Photo

His name wasn't originally Martin.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth name was actually Michael.AP

He was passionate about fighting for racial justice from a young age.

Martin Luther King Jr. was exposed to racism and segregation at a young age.AP

He was kicked out of the first grade, and he ended up skipping two more years of school later on.

Martin Luther King Jr. skipped some grades because he was advanced academically.Horace Cort/AP

Dr. King enrolled in college when he was 15.

Martin Luther King Jr. at Morehouse College in Atlanta.AP

One of his first jobs was working for a newspaper.

Martin Luther King Jr. worked at The Atlanta Journal when he was 13.Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images

The reverend wasn't always steadfast in his faith.

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote in his autobiography that he questioned the bodily resurrection of Jesus.AP

Dr. King wasn't inspired to become a minister until college.

Martin Luther King Jr. was inspired by his teacher, Dr. George D. Kelsey.AP

He was valedictorian of his class at Crozer Theological Seminary.

Martin Luther King Jr. receiving an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws and Letters by Rev. Victor R. Yanitelli, president of Saint Peter's College.AP

He earned his Ph.D. in systematic theology at Boston University.

The Martin Luther King Jr. memorial statue at Boston University.Chitose Suzuki/AP

He was also awarded at least 20 honorary degrees in later years.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking at Howard University in 1965.Charles Tasnadi/AP

American essayist Henry David Thoreau had a profound impact on his civil-rights career.

Henry David Thoreau's work served as a source of inspiration for Martin Luther King Jr.AP

He first met his future wife over the phone.

Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. first spoke over the telephone.AP

He called Boston his second home.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., center, speaking to the joint session of the Massachusetts Legislature in Boston.AP

Dr. King and his wife had an unusual honeymoon.

Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. spent their honeymoon at a mortuary.Associated Press

He didn't expect to become a civil-rights leader.

Martin Luther King Jr. opposed the 1965 boycott initially.AP

He wrote six books throughout his life.

One of his books was an autobiography.Amazon

He spoke at over 2,500 events and gave hundreds of addresses a year.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches are still famous today.AP

Some people believe his last speech foreshadowed his death.

Some believe his speech about the "Promised Land" was foreshadowing.AP

He won a Grammy award.

Martin Luther King Jr. outwardly opposed the United States' involvement in Vietnam.Horst Faas/AP

He almost died years before his assassination.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was stabbed in 1958.AP

His imprisonment helped JFK get elected.

President John F. Kennedy was forced to take a stand and fight for equality.AP

Someone else at the motel died on the day of Dr. King's assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.Charles Kelly/AP

His political position became more radical over time.

Martin Luther King Jr. wasn't just outspoken about civil rights.AP

The most memorable part of his "I Have a Dream" speech was unplanned.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech remains his most iconic.AP

He spoke around the world in countries such as India, Ghana, and England.

Martin Luther King Jr. visiting India in 1959.AP

He is still the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. displays his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize medal in Oslo, Norway.Associated Press

He is honored in cities all over the world.

A statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington DC.Jacquelyn Martin/AP

He had a deep appreciation for gospel and jazz music.

Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife dance among the crowds in Sweden.AP

Dr. King's final conversation involved a simple request.

Mourners by Martin Luther King Jr.'s casket in 1968.AP Photo/Charles Kelly

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