Wissenswertes

He stated that he would not live to be 40. He died aged 39.

At age thirty-five,He was the youngest person ever to win a Nobel Peace prize.This record was surpassed by Betty Williams in 1977 who was thirty-three.

Is the only U.S. citizen to have a national holiday dedicated to him.

January 20, 1986 was the first national celebration of King's birthday as a holiday.

Was stabbed in 1958 while promoting his book, "Stride Toward Freedom".

Earned Ph.D. in systematic theology in 1955.

Was a Trekkie (a fan of the original Raumschiff Enterprise (1966) TV series), and he encouraged Nichelle Nichols to remain on the original Raumschiff Enterprise (1966) series (according to William Shatner's "Star Trek Memories"). Assignment: Earth (1968) (#2.26) was the last episode to air before his death. Also, he Is portrayed by LeVar Burton in Ali (2001), and even further, the date that the Enterprise crew arrives on Earth in Star Trek - Der erste Kontakt (1996) is April 4, 2063 (the day before the title date); the 95 year anniversary of his death.

Won Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1964.

Became pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1960.

His father was named Michael Luther King, but changed his first name to Martin when he became a minister. The younger Michael changed his name to Martin as well, initially against his father's wishes.

Children: Yolanda King (1955-2007), Martin Luther King III (b. 1957), Dexter King (b. 1961-2024), Bernice King (b. 1963).

Pictured on a 15¢ US commemorative postage stamp in the Black Heritage USA series, issued 13 January 1979.

When he was shot, King was on his way to a soul-food dinner at the home of Reverend Samuel (Billy) Kyles. After supper, King had promised to attend the evening rally of the striking black garbage collectors of Local 1733.

Was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Time Magazine's "Man of the Year" (1963)

Among his personal, non-violent reform heroes was Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948).

During the funeral, his casket was pulled by a mule-driven cart down Atlanta's main street.

On King's 60th birthday in 1988, the U.S. government unveiled a statue memorial of his likeness, to commemorate the progress of civil rights.

Subject of the U2 song "Pride (In the Name of Love)" from their 1984 album "The Unforgettable Fire".

Publicly spoke out against the Vietnam War in 1967.

Graduated from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, PA, with a B.D. in 1951.

Son of Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Christine Williams King.

Inducted into the International Mustache Hall of Fame in 2015 (inaugural class) in the category Politics & Leadership.

January 20, 1986 was the third Monday in January, and consequently, the third Monday in January is an official holiday in the U.S. honoring Dr. King. To date, all 50 states observe the King holiday.

Graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, in 1948.

Is portrayed by LeVar Burton in Ali (2001).

Younger brother of Christine King Farris and A.D. King (Alfred Daniel King).

Uncle of Dr. Alveda King.

Pictured on a commerative 25 cent postage label issued by the (now defunct) Independent Postal System of America in 1973.

Grandfather of Yolanda Renee King.

Santa Monica auditorium named in his honor with daughter Yolanda King officiating and performer/activist Anthony Begonia organizing the music. (Januar 2006)

Was friends with Ralph Abernathy, Harry Belafonte, Andrew Young, James Baldwin, Ossie Davis, Tony Bennett, and Otis Moss Jr..

Uncle of Alfred King, Jr, Darlene King, Veron King, Derek King, Angela Christine Farris Watkins, and Issac Newton Farris, Jr.

Brooke Shields married Chris Henchy on the 33rd anniversary of his death.