Biography
Martin Luther King Jr. was a famous American activist, Christian minister, and political philosopher. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. He died on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39 in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. He is currently resting in Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
His life is full of difficulties and hard work and well known worldwide for his activism work. He was also the 1st President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
He married Coretta Scott in 1953 and was the father of 4 children (Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter, & Bernice).
He started primary education in his hometown and completed his education at Morehouse College (BA), Crozer Theological Seminary (BDiv), and Boston University (PhD).
He received numerous awards in his life including the Nobel Peace Prize (1964), the Presidential Medal of Freedom (posthumous, 1977), and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael King Jr. (later changed to Martin Luther King Jr.) |
| Birthdate | January 15, 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Death Date | April 4, 1968 |
| Place of Death | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Age at Death | 39 |
| Spouse | Coretta Scott |
| Parents | Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King |
| Siblings | One sister: Christine King Farris; One brother: A. D. King |
| Education | Morehouse College (B.A.); Crozer Theological Seminary (B.Div.); Boston University (PhD) |
| Profession | Baptist minister and activist |
| Known For | Leadership in the American civil rights movement; Nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience |
| Notable Works | “Stride Toward Freedom,” “The Measure of a Man,” “Strength to Love,” “Why We Can’t Wait,” “Where Do We Go from Here” |
| Major Awards | Nobel Peace Prize (1964), Presidential Medal of Freedom (posthumous, 1977), Congressional Gold Medal (posthumous, 2004) |
| Legacy | “Stride Toward Freedom,” “The Measure of a Man,” “Strength to Love,” “Why We Can’t-Wait,” “Where Do We Go from Here” |
| Memorials | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.; Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park |
Martin Luther King Works
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story | 1958 |
| The Measure of a Man | 1959 |
| Strength to Love | 1963 |
| Why We Can’t Wait | 1964 |
| Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? | 1967 |
| The Trumpet of Conscience | 1968 |
| A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches | 1986 |
| The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr. | 1998 |
| “All Labor Has Dignity” | 2011 |
| “Thou, Dear God”: Prayers That Open Hearts and Spirits | 2011 |
| MLK: A Celebration in Word and Image | 2011 |
FAQs about Martin Luther King Biography
What is the full name of Martin Luther King?
Martin Luther King Jr.’s full name was Michael King Jr. However, he later changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr. in honor of the German reformer Martin Luther.
What is the Profession of Martin Luther King?
Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and activist, known for his leadership in the American civil rights movement.
What is the age of Martin Luther King?
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, and he passed away on April 4, 1968, making him 39 years old at the time of his death.
Who is Martin Luther King’s spouse?
Martin Luther King Jr.’s spouse was Coretta Scott. They married in 1953 and remained partners in his civil rights activism.
Who are Martin Luther King’s Parents?
Martin Luther King Jr.’s parents were Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King.
Who are Martin Luther King’s siblings?
Martin Luther King Jr. had one sister, Christine King Farris, and one brother, A. D. King, both of whom were also involved in civil rights activism.
What is the net worth of Martin Luther King?
Martin Luther King Jr.’s net worth is not precisely documented, as he dedicated his life to activism and did not accumulate personal wealth.
What is the education of Martin Luther King?
Martin Luther King Jr. attended Morehouse College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He later pursued theological education at Crozer Theological Seminary, earning his Bachelor of Divinity degree, and completed his doctoral studies in systematic theology at Boston University.
What are the major awards Martin Luther King received?
Martin Luther King Jr. received several major awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004.
