10 fun and interesting Martin Luther King facts

1. Martin Luther King's tireless work for civil rights

Martin Luther King was a tireless campaigner for civil rights, travelling an astonishing 6 million miles and delivering over 2,500 speeches in his fight against segregation and inequality. His tireless efforts to bring about change saw him travel across the United States and beyond, speaking to large crowds and inspiring people to stand up for their rights. His words and actions had a profound impact on the civil rights movement, and his legacy continues to inspire people to this day.

Also → Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail

2. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Fight for Economic Justice

Martin Luther King Jr. was a champion of civil rights, but he also had a passion for fighting poverty and urban inequality. In 1966, he launched a campaign to address these issues, which he believed were intertwined with the civil rights movement. He argued that poverty and inequality were not only a moral issue, but also an economic one, and that the two could not be separated. He believed that the only way to truly achieve civil rights was to address the underlying economic issues that were preventing people from achieving true equality. His campaign was a call to action for people to come together and fight for economic justice.

Also → Montgomery, Alabama: The Hub of the Civil Rights Movement

3. A Passionate Advocate of Non-Violence

Martin Luther King was a passionate advocate of non-violence, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, believing that the US should not be involved in a conflict that did not directly affect its citizens. He argued that the war was a moral issue, and that the US should not be using violence to solve international disputes. He also believed that the war was a distraction from the civil rights movement, and that the resources used to fight the war should be used to improve the lives of African Americans.

Also → Thoreau & Civil Disobedience: Inspiring Activists & Reformers

4. Key Figure in Civil Rights Movement

Martin Luther King was a key figure in the civil rights movement, having helped to initiate it in 1955. Following Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat for a white passenger, King led the black community in Montgomery, Alabama in a peaceful demonstration against segregation. This boycott lasted for an impressive 382 days, until the Supreme Court ruled that laws segregating buses were unconstitutional. This momentous decision marked a major victory for the civil rights movement, and was a testament to King's leadership and commitment to the cause.

Also → Durham, North Carolina: A City with a History of Civil Rights Activism

5. MLK Day: Celebrated 3rd Monday in Jan.

Martin Luther King is the only non-president to have a national holiday dedicated to him. This holiday, celebrated on the third Monday of January each year, honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner. It is a day to reflect on the progress made towards racial equality and to remember the struggles of those who fought for civil rights. The holiday is a reminder of the power of peaceful protest and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Also → The Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, Alabama

6. 15-year-old Martin Luther King earns college degree

At the tender age of 15, Martin Luther King had already achieved a remarkable feat - he had skipped two grades in high school and entered college in 1944. His intelligence and ambition were evident even at this young age, and by 19 he had already earned a bachelor's degree in sociology. His drive and determination were further demonstrated when he graduated with his PhD at the age of 25, a remarkable accomplishment for someone so young.

Also → Benjamin Harrison's Unwavering Commitment to Civil Rights

7. Martin Luther King, Vegetarian, Believed in a Balanced Diet

Martin Luther King was a passionate advocate for non-violence, and this extended to his diet. He was a vegetarian, believing that it was wrong to take the life of an animal for food. He was also a firm believer in the power of a healthy diet, and he believed that a vegetarian diet was the best way to achieve this. He was known to enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, and he was a firm believer in the power of a balanced diet.

Also → James A. Garfield: Champion of Civil Rights and Equality

8. Martin Luther King loved Star Trek

Martin Luther King was an avid fan of the original Star Trek television series, which aired from 1966 to 1969. He was particularly fond of the show's progressive themes of racial and social equality, which resonated with his own civil rights activism. He was known to watch the show with his family and friends, and even wrote a letter to the show's creator, Gene Roddenberry, praising the show's positive message.

Also → Danny Glover's Parents Were Activists for Civil Rights

9. One of the most admired figures in history

Martin Luther King is one of the most admired figures in history, particularly for his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech delivered in 1963. This powerful speech, delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., was a defining moment in the civil rights movement and is remembered for its passionate call for racial equality and justice. King's stirring words, which included the famous phrase "Let freedom ring," have become a rallying cry for people around the world who are striving for justice and equality.

Also → The First White Lunch Counter Sit-In

10. Martin Luther King's Poor Start at Seminary

Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered today as one of the greatest public speakers of all time, but his journey to becoming a master of the craft was not an easy one. During his first year at seminary, he received a C in public speaking, showing that even the most talented of us have to start somewhere. Despite this initial setback, King persevered and eventually developed a powerful oratory style that has inspired millions around the world.