1. His birth name was Michael King Jr. His father changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1934 after being inspired by the Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther.
2.He entered college at the age of 15. He skipped grades nine and 12 before enrolling in Morehouse College, the alma mater of his father and maternal grandfather.
3.He received his doctorate in systematic theology. He earned a Ph.D. degree in systematic theology from Boston University in 1955.
4. He was arrested 30 times. He was arrested for his nonviolent protests against segregation and discrimination.
5. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
6.He wrote the "Letter from Birmingham Jail" in 1963. This letter is a powerful defense of nonviolent protes.
7. He delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. This speech is one of the most famous speeches in American history.
8. He was assassinated in 1968. He was shot and killed by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968.
9. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977.
10. His birthday is a national holiday in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January.
11. He is considered one of the most important figures in American history. He is a symbol of the civil rights movement and his work helped to end segregation and discrimination in the United States.
12. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world. His work for peace and equality is still relevant today.