"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."~ Martin Luther King, Jr.; "I Have A Dream" speech.
What is the background of Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where Jim Crow Laws heavily enforced segregation and discrimination. After graduating from Boston University's School of Theology, King became the pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He largely contributed to the Civil Rights Movement through nonviolent protests. King supported the Montgomery Bus Boycott; many African-Americans refused to ride the buses in response to Rosa Parks' arrest. The campaign demonstrated that the buses would not be used until they were integrated. The ShareAmerica website claims that King was influenced by the teachings of Gandhi to use "nonviolent protests to end British rule in India." King traveled to India in 1959.
What was King's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement?
King continued to be involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout the 1960s he was arrested many times for protesting. The King Center reports that in 1963, King led the "March on Washington" and delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech. The National Archives has a copy of the speech. His speech led to profound change within the Civil Rights Movement and solidified King as a leader. The Library of Congress states that King was "the most important voice of the American Civil Rights Movement."
The ShareAmerica website explains that in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act, "which banned discrimination in employment, public accommodations, education, and transportation." King continued to push for more justice for the African-American community. He wanted a law that discarded literacy tests and other measures that prohibited their freedom to vote. King's prayer was heard in 1965 when Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act.
On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated on his balcony at a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. His legacy continues to live on and inspire a place where "the color of your skin does not determine the content of your character."
What's the story behind the holiday?
The Corporation for National and Community Service explains that in 1983 legislation was passed to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. by making his birthday a federal holiday. In 1994, the holiday was determined to be a day of service that "calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems."
Want more?
The National Park Service provides information of historic sites that honor Martin Luther King, Jr. If you need help navigating government information online, contact the Government Documents department at the OSU Library.
What are your thoughts on the involvement of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement?
-by Emily Hancz
What is the background of Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where Jim Crow Laws heavily enforced segregation and discrimination. After graduating from Boston University's School of Theology, King became the pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He largely contributed to the Civil Rights Movement through nonviolent protests. King supported the Montgomery Bus Boycott; many African-Americans refused to ride the buses in response to Rosa Parks' arrest. The campaign demonstrated that the buses would not be used until they were integrated. The ShareAmerica website claims that King was influenced by the teachings of Gandhi to use "nonviolent protests to end British rule in India." King traveled to India in 1959.
What was King's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement?
King continued to be involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout the 1960s he was arrested many times for protesting. The King Center reports that in 1963, King led the "March on Washington" and delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech. The National Archives has a copy of the speech. His speech led to profound change within the Civil Rights Movement and solidified King as a leader. The Library of Congress states that King was "the most important voice of the American Civil Rights Movement."
The ShareAmerica website explains that in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act, "which banned discrimination in employment, public accommodations, education, and transportation." King continued to push for more justice for the African-American community. He wanted a law that discarded literacy tests and other measures that prohibited their freedom to vote. King's prayer was heard in 1965 when Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act.
On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated on his balcony at a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. His legacy continues to live on and inspire a place where "the color of your skin does not determine the content of your character."
What's the story behind the holiday?
The Corporation for National and Community Service explains that in 1983 legislation was passed to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. by making his birthday a federal holiday. In 1994, the holiday was determined to be a day of service that "calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems."
Want more?
The National Park Service provides information of historic sites that honor Martin Luther King, Jr. If you need help navigating government information online, contact the Government Documents department at the OSU Library.
What are your thoughts on the involvement of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement?
-by Emily Hancz
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