Martin Luther King, Jr.: Civil Rights Activist

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Ashley Kostmayer Mrs. Sinclair English III, Block 4 February 13, 2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. History tells of many famous and well-remembered people. Many of these left a great impression on society. Among these is Martin Luther King, Jr., a civil rights activist. For many, King portrays a picture of humanity and great courage. Despite day-to-day controversies faced by Martin Luther King, Jr., history will always remember him for playing a vital and positive role in America’s fight for civil rights. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929. He died at the age of 39 in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968 after being shot in the back of the neck by a gunman. The son of Martin Luther…show more content…
throughout his life. Howard Thurman, a civil rights leader and theologian, influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. at a very early age. Thurman was a classmate with King’s father. He also mentored King and his friends when they were children. As a successful nonviolence activist, Ghandi also had a profound influence on King. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited and spent time with Ghandi’s family in India in 1959. Finally, Rustin, a famous African-American activist, also played an important role in shaping Martin Luther King, Jr. Not only was Rustin a mentor to King, but he also served as his main advisor. Rustin encouraged King to fully commit and dedicate himself to the causes and principles of non-violence. Additionally, Rustin organized the March on Washington that took place in 1963. Rosa Parks was another great American who influenced King through her courage and foresight. Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat in an era when the black race was forced to stand at the back of public busses. This heroic and risky demonstration took place in December of 1955, and was followed by a year-long bus boycott by the African-American community in Montgomery, Alabama. As the president of the Montgomery Improvement Association, Martin Luther King, Jr. headed up this demonstration…show more content…
has been recognized for many important accomplishments and has been awarded many honors for his works. On October 14, 1964, King became the youngest recipient ever of the Nobel Peace Prize. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition for leading the efforts to stop non-violence resistance and end racial prejudice in the United States. After receiving this award, King took on new challenges such as leading the voter-registration campaign which resulted in the Selma-to-Montgomery Freedom March. There are many other recognitions honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. including over 730 cities across
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