Rise to Prominence

This page details the events and actions that propelled Martin Luther King Jr. to national and international fame.

King's rise to prominence began with an incident on a public bus, which led to the formation of the "Montgomery Improvement Association." He faced racial division in almost every aspect of life and delivered many important speeches, including the iconic "I have a dream" and "I've been to the mountaintop" addresses. Tragically, King was assassinated by James Earl Ray.

Highlight: The "I have a dream" speech, delivered during the March on Washington in 1963, became one of the most famous and influential speeches in American history.

Vocabulary: Montgomery Improvement Association: An organization formed in 1955 to coordinate the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Brief Overview

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist pastor and civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the American Civil Rights Movement. This page provides a concise introduction to his life and work.

Highlight: King's role as both a Baptist pastor and civil rights activist underscores the intersection of faith and social justice in his life's work.

Definition: Civil rights activist: A person who works to promote equal rights for all citizens, particularly those who have been historically marginalized or discriminated against.