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.