Family and Childhood

Martin Luther King Jr.'s family background played a significant role in shaping his future as a civil rights leader. His father, Martin Luther King Sr., initially worked as a pastor before becoming a mechanic's assistant. King Sr. demonstrated determination by completing night school.

King's maternal grandfather was the son of slaves, and subsequent generations remained part of the African American community. His grandfather worked on a cotton plantation, highlighting the family's connection to the struggles of African Americans in the South.

Highlight: Martin Luther King Jr.'s name had religious significance, reflecting the strong spiritual influence in his upbringing.

During King's childhood, racial segregation was prevalent, with black and white people forced to live separately. This early exposure to racial inequality would later fuel his passion for civil rights activism.

Definition: Racial segregation - The practice of separating people based on their race or ethnicity, often enforced by law or social customs.

"I Have a Dream" Speech

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most iconic and influential orations in American history. Delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the speech was a powerful call for racial equality and an end to discrimination.

Key aspects of the speech:

• Addressed a crowd of more than 250,000 people
• Articulated King's vision for a future of racial harmony
• Highlighted the urgent need for civil rights reform
• Emphasized nonviolent resistance as a means of achieving change

Quote: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Example: The speech's repeated use of the phrase "I have a dream" created a powerful rhetorical device that resonated with listeners and has become synonymous with the civil rights movement.

Attack on Martin Luther King Jr.

The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. was a tragic event that shocked the nation and the world. On April 4, 1968, King was fatally shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

Details of the assassination:

• Location: Lorraine Motel, Memphis, USA
• Date: April 4, 1968
• Method: Shot while standing on the balcony
• Assassin: James Earl Ray
• Motive: Opposition to King's ideology and civil rights work

Highlight: The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. sparked widespread demonstrations across the United States, as people demanded justice and equal rights.

Consequences of the assassination:

• Nationwide protests and demonstrations
• Increased awareness of civil rights issues
• Passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act)
• Establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday