Martin Luther King, Jr

Martin Luther King Jr. is one of, if not the most important, leaders for civil rights in American history. Using non-violent methods, King rose to national prominence and helped inspire much needed changes in the social and legal structures of America.

Martin luther king jr. is giving a speech in front of a crowd.
A man in a suit and tie is giving a speech

Why is MLK Important?

From the start of the civil rights movement in the mid-1950s to his assassination in 1968, King never stopped fighting for equal rights, through speeches such as the famed “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington as well as orchestrating sit-ins, boycotts, and other non-violent measures that forced America to address the massive racial inequalities in the country.


Despite being arrested numerous times for his beliefs and activism, as well as falling victim to assault, personal abuse, and even a home bombing, Martin Luther King, Jr. continued to fight for what he knew to be right and just.


Through his dedication, many positive cultural and legal changes were made in America.

Two men are sitting at a table talking to each other

Major Accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 was a major achievement for King, as he and other civil rights activists used the organization to harness the influence of black churches to support and conduct non-violent civil rights protests. This helped make the Birmingham Campaign and the Great March on Washington possible in 1963.


In 1964, King helped bring about the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended segregation in public and banned discrimination on race and other factors. King also received the Nobel Peace Prize for his achievements, and was the youngest man to ever receive the award.


1965 saw the passing of the Voting Rights Act, which helped bring equality to American voting practices.


A cemetery with a large statue in the background

Find Out More about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Held annually on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Day isn’t just an opportunity to pay homage to this great man, it is also a time of reflection on how we can follow his example and fight for equality and civil rights, for the betterment of all.


Click the button below to learn more about the life and works of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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