Martin Luther King History Timeline and Biographies

1929

Birth of Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of Martin Luther King Sr., a pastor, and Alberta Williams King, a schoolteacher. King's upbringing in a religious environment laid the foundation for his future work in civil rights and social justice.

1944

King Enters Morehouse College

At the age of 15, Martin Luther King Jr. enrolled in Morehouse College, where he developed his interest in theology and social justice. He graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology, which significantly shaped his future activism.

1953

Marriage to Coretta Scott

Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott on June 18, 1953. Coretta became a vital partner in his civil rights work, advocating for social justice and equality alongside him throughout their lives.

1955

Montgomery Bus Boycott Begins

In December 1955, after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person, Martin Luther King Jr. was elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association. This marked the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement that lasted for 381 days.

1956

King's House Bombed

On January 30, 1956, Martin Luther King Jr.'s home was bombed during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This act of violence solidified his commitment to nonviolent resistance and drew national attention to the civil rights movement.

1960

Formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

In 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. helped establish the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, organizing sit-ins and other forms of nonviolent protest against segregation.

1963

March on Washington and "I Have a Dream" Speech

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This monumental event drew over 250,000 participants and highlighted the struggle for civil rights and racial equality in America.

1964

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to King

In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle against racial injustice. He became the youngest recipient of the award at that time, further elevating his status as a leader in the civil rights movement.

1965

Selma to Montgomery Marches

In March 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. led the Selma to Montgomery marches to protest voting rights discrimination. The marches culminated in a successful demonstration for voting rights, leading to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

1967

King's Opposition to the Vietnam War

In 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. publicly opposed the Vietnam War, linking it to issues of poverty and racial injustice. He delivered a speech titled "Beyond Vietnam," emphasizing the need for peace and social justice both at home and abroad.

1968

Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, while supporting a sanitation workers' strike. His death sparked widespread riots and mourning across the United States, marking a tragic turning point in the civil rights movement.

1968

The Poor People's Campaign Initiated

In the wake of his assassination, Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision for the Poor People's Campaign was carried on by his supporters. This initiative aimed to address economic justice and poverty among marginalized communities, reflecting King's commitment to social equality.

1983

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Established as a Federal Holiday

In 1983, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday, observed on the third Monday of January each year. This day honors King's legacy and contributions to civil rights and social justice in America.

2000

The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. continues to inspire civil rights movements around the world. His teachings on nonviolence and social justice remain relevant, influencing new generations of activists in their quest for equality and justice.