Monday, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, for his leadership and willingness to stand up and fight for equality.

Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, where segregation was prevalent. Dr. King was a smart and loving kid that everyone knew. He was raised in a very religious household, and grew up with very good communication skills because of that. 

King also was a smart kid and was able to go to Morehouse College at just 15 years old. Dr. Martin’s childhood seemed great, but in the midst of all his accomplishments, there was a hindrance in his life, which was segregation. 

Because of this, Dr. King had to lose friends, was treated poorly, and was questioned a lot. The tragic events that happened inspired Dr. King to find freedom and to stand up not just for himself but for everyone who has dealt with what he has dealt with.

 Things soon started to get really bad, so he had his first-ever major protest called the Montgomery Bus Boycott from 1955-1956 after American Civil Rights Activist, Rosa Parks, was arrested for sitting at the back of the bus, and refused to move when she was told to by white men. 

So Dr. King started his own movement, declaring that black people would get the respect they deserved. After this event, Dr. King was known for his speeches and peaceful protests. His most popular speech was “I Have A Dream” given on August 18, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC.

Over 250,000 people went to hear him speak, and over a million people watched on TV. Many people were encouraged and empowered after his speech, which was about equal rights, ending racism, and freedom and justice for all, not just people of color.

Sadly, on April 4, 1968, right after saying his famous “I’ve been on the mountain top” speech at Mephis Tennesee, he was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Dr. King was truly an inspiration for many, so may we honor this day to stand up for what he stood up and for carrying his legacy forward.