Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Day of Great Reverence

He had a dream and because of this dream, Americans from all kinds of backgrounds can break bread and coexist, peacefully. The dreamer, Martin Luther King Jr. was a key figure during the Civil Rights Movement and his nonviolent activism successfully divorced racial discrimination in state and federal law.




This holiday was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, and as of 2000, all 50 states observe this special holiday. In commemoration of this special day, we compiled a list of lesser known facts you may not know about this iconic figure.

Name Change?

When Martin Luther King was six years old, his father changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr. (Originally it was Martin King Jr.). Martin King senior became pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1931 and adopted the name Martin Luther King senior in honor of protestant leader Martin Luther.

Smart at a Young Age

Martin Luther King entered Morehouse college at 15 years old.

Martin Luther King Boulevard

There are over 900 streets, all across the world, named after this civil rights movement leader. Who knows, you may live near one?

Young Nobel Peace Prize Winner

At 35 years old, he was the youngest person to receive the award in 1964.

Favorites Foods

Martin Luther King loved to eat pecan pie and fried chicken.