The Life of Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK was born to Martin Luther King, Sr., and Alberta Williams King

Jan 15, 1929

Went to Morehouse College in Atlanta Georgia at the age of 16

Aug 23, 1944

Graduated at the age of 19

Married Coretta Scott and started a family

Jun 18, 1953

MLK and Coretta had four children. Their names were Yolanda King, Martin Luther King the Third, Dexter Scott King and Bernice King. All but Yolanda are still alive today.

Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Dec 1, 1955

It started in 1955 and ended in 1956. It's main effect was the legalization of integrated buses in Alabama. It was a huge win for anti-segregating supporters.

Forms the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to fight segregation

Apr 26, 1957

Write his first book "Stride Towards Freedom"

Jun 29, 1958

Visited India to study Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence

Feb 3, 1959

Strength to Love, King's book of sermons, is published.

Jun 13, 1963

Gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech

Aug 28, 1963

King meets President Lyndon B. Johnson

Jan 18, 1964

King's book Why We Can’t Wait is published.

Jun 5, 1964

King and 25,000 other protestors march for voting rights

Mar 17, 1965

Lasted from March 17- 25. They marched from Selma to Montgomery.

King’s book "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?" is published.

Jun 23, 1967

Made his famous "Mountain Top" speech

Apr 3, 1968

MLK was assassinated by James Earl Ray

Apr 4, 1968

James Earl Ray

National holiday proclaimed in MLK's honor

Nov 2, 1986