Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Inversed Poet
- Feb 1, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 8, 2021
Martin Luther King, Jr was born January 15, 1929, with the original name of Michael King, Jr.
King followed his grandfather and father's path as pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. King attended Booker T. Washington High school, started college at 15 years old, and earned a sociology degree from Moorehouse College.
While attending college, King fell under the mentorship of activist and president of Moorhouse college Benjamin E. Mays who is also known as the “Schoolhouse Master of The Movement”. Mays advised King to use Christianity as a focal point for social change.
King went on to pursue his Doctorate at Boston University. During this time, he met Coretta Scott and the two were married in 1953. In 1955 King earned his PH. D at the age of 25.
If you think that’s impressive that’s not even half of it. On December 1st of 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.
The leader of the NACCP at that time was E.D Nixon met with King and made him the leader of the Montgomery Boycott.
After 382 days of walking to work, and the Supreme Court decision that “Separate is never equal” in the Brown Vs. Board of Education, the laws segregating public transportation were lifted.
In 1957, King and sixty black pastors coordinated a nonviolent protest in Atlanta, Georgia, against racial discrimination and segregation. On August 28, 1963, Dr. King led the march on Washington where he gave his "I Have A Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln memorial. According to History.com Doctor King was arrested 29 times for civil disobedience and trumped-up charges during his crusade against racial discrimination, violence, and segregation.
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King went on to fight for social justice throughout the mid and late 60s until his assassination on April 4, 1968.
Doctor King's work and steady efforts changed the course of African American civil rights and equality in America. I had the opportunity to celebrate Doctor King early last year on the Washington D.C African American Heritage Tour.
If you have not been to the Martin Luther King Jr, Memorial, I highly recommend it. It is beautiful, bittersweet, and gives off a sense of power as the statue of Doctor King overlooks the river.
It is a humbling experience to be on the grounds dedicated to a man that gave his life for the equality of all. On the side of the centerpiece is a quote, "Out Of The Mountain Of Despair, A Stone Of Hope.
Below are images of some of his most famous quotes from several of his speeches.
In my early school days, it was tradition to watch the movie "Our Friend, Martin" in Honor of MLK Jr. No matter what school I went to, this film was constantly shown. So to end my appreciation post, I have attached a link to the popular film for those who have not seen it and those that wish to view it again for old time's sake.
As Always, Thanks for reading.
Keep Open Ears, Eyes, & Mind
"Till Next Time!
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