Name
Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King Jr. was an iconic figure in the history of the
civil rights movement in the United States. His leadership,
vision, and commitment to nonviolent activism made him a
symbol of hope and progress in the struggle for racial equality.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta,
Georgia. He grew up in a time when racial segregation and
discrimination were deeply entrenched in American society. Despite these challenges,
King's family instilled in him the values of equality, justice, and nonviolence.
King excelled academically and graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in
sociology. He continued his education, earning a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Boston
University. His studies and exposure to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi deeply influenced
his commitment to nonviolent resistance as a means of achieving social change.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership in the civil rights movement gained national prominence
during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-1956. The boycott was a protest against racial
segregation on public buses sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat to a
white passenger. King was chosen to lead the Montgomery Improvement Association,
which organized the boycott. His eloquent speeches and dedication to nonviolent protest
principles inspired the African American community to boycott the city's buses for ov er a
year, ultimately leading to a Supreme Court ruling declaring segregation on public buses
unconstitutional.
King continued to play a leading role in the civil rights movement. In 1957, he helped found
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization committed to
nonviolent activism in the struggle for civil rights. He led numerous protests and
demonstrations, advocating for voting rights, desegregation, and an end to racial
discrimination.
One of the most memorable moments in the civil rights movement came on August 28,
1963, with the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. At this historic event, King
delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In this
address, he eloquently articulated his vision of a future where people would be judged by
their character rather than the color of their skin. The march drew a diverse crowd of over
250,000 people and contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to
advance civil rights through nonviolent means. He remains the youngest recipient of this
prestigious award for peace and justice.
Tragically, Martin Luther King Jr.'s life was cut short when he was assassinated on April 4,
1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. His death shook the nation, but his legacy continued to inspire
generations of civil rights activists and advocates for social justice.
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Name
Martin Luther King Jr
Comprehension Questions
1. Who was Martin Luther King Jr., and why is he significant in the context of the civil rights
movement?
a) Martin Luther King Jr. was a famous musician who played jazz music.
b) Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent civil rights leader and advocate for racial equality and
justice.
c) Martin Luther King Jr. was a renowned astronaut who went to space.
d) Martin Luther King Jr. was a successful businessman who owned multiple companies.
2. What event led to Martin Luther King Jr.'s national prominence in the civil rights movement?
a)
b)
c)
d)
The March on Washington
The Montgomery Bus Boycott
The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Supreme Court ruling on segregation
3. What organization did Martin Luther King Jr. help found to promote nonviolent activism in the
struggle for civil rights?
a)
b)
c)
d)
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The Black Panthers
4. What famous speech did Martin Luther King Jr. deliver during the March on Washington, and
what was its message?
a) "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," emphasizing the need for violent resistance.
b) "We Shall Overcome," calling for unity among civil rights groups.
c) "I Have a Dream," envisioning a future of racial equality and character-based judgments.
d) "The Power of Nonviolence," advocating for aggressive protest methods.
5. What significant recognition did Martin Luther King Jr. receive in 1964, and why was it
awarded to him?
a) He received the Pulitzer Prize for his literary contributions.
b) He received the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to advancing civil rights through
nonviolent means.
c) He received the Medal of Freedom for his military service.
d) He received the Grammy Award for his music.
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