What was Dr. Martin Luther King’s legal name at birth?
| Answer: | Michael |
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legal name at birth was Michael King Jr. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Reverend Michael King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. Originally named after his father, at the age of five, his father also changed his own name to Martin Luther King in honor of the German Protestant leader Martin Luther. Following his father’s example, young Michael King Jr. also decided to change his name to Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King went on to become one of the most prominent figures in the American civil rights movement, advocating for nonviolent protest and equality for all. He played a key role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and was a leading figure in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolent resistance and civil rights activism led to significant milestones in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.
Throughout his life, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remained dedicated to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights for all people, regardless of their race or background. His legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders around the world to stand up against inequality and injustice. By changing his name to Martin Luther King Jr., he not only honored his father’s legacy but also solidified his own place in history as a passionate advocate for social change and civil rights.