Martin Luther King Jr. Date: Key Events and Significance

Martin Luther King Jr. - Important Dates

Martin Luther King Jr. was a central figure in the American civil rights movement, and several key dates are associated with his life and legacy.

1. Birthday: January 15, 1929

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. This date is celebrated to honor his life and contributions to the struggle for racial equality.

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January

This is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of January each year, close to King's birthday. It was established to honor his legacy and promote equality and nonviolence.

3. Significant Events:

• August 28, 1963 - King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a landmark event in civil rights history.
• October 14, 1964 - King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice in America.
• April 4, 1968 - King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, marking a tragic end to his life but further inspiring the movement for civil rights.

Summary

Understanding these dates helps us appreciate the timeline of Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact on American history and civil rights, from his birth and activism to the ongoing commemoration of his ideals.