Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) - Hero

MLK was a hero and an important part of America's history. Martin Luther King, Jr. was also a husband, father, pastor, activist, humanatarian and leader in the civil rights movement. MLK was a Baptist minister who early in career became a civil rights activist:

• 1955 led the Montgomery Bus Boycott
• 1957 founded the (SCLC) Southern Christian Leadership Conference and serving as its first president
• 1962 organized nonviolent protests in Birmingham, Alabama
• 1963 organized the March on Washington where he delivered his famous speech "I Have a Dream"
• 1964 received the Nobel Peace Prize for opposing racial inequality through nonviolence
• 1965 helped organize, with the help of the SCLC, the Selma to Montgomery marches
• 1966 took the movement north to Chicago to work on segregated housing

However, in 1968 Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4 in Memphis, Tennessee. MLK was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. Although Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday was established in many cities and states beginning in 1971, it did not become a U.S. federal holiday until 1986.

MLK a famous person in history

Hellokids.com has a wealth of information for you to learm more about this American Hero. There are biography videos, reports you can read about his life and accomplishments. There are videos of his most famous speeches and a lovely coloring page of this important leader. You will discover all this when you click on this link: Martin Luther King, Jr. If you are interested in learning more about other American heroes you can find that by exploring the reading and learning section called Famous People.

Video:

MLK - The King and His Dreams