MLK’s influence on the world

Today, Martin Luther King Jr is known as a civil rights activist and pioneer in black communities throughout America. To celebrate his contributions his legacy is observed every third Monday in January. Communities hold parades, volunteer events, MLK Day of Service, forums, etc.

In Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, the first month of the year, Martin Luther King Junior was born on January 15, the day marked. He was the son of Martin Luther King Senior, a prominent Baptist member, and Alberta Williams King, a schoolteacher. At an early age, Martin excelled academically, graduating high school at only 15. At Morehouse College in 1944, Martin enrolled and met his mentor, Dr. Benjamin Mays, who influenced Martin to think critically about social justice and civil rights. Mays introduced King to the works of Mahatma Gandhi. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1948 and furthered his education by attending Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. He pursued doctoral studies at Boston University and earned another bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D.

King rose to prominence during the Montgomery Bus Boycott when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in 1955. His knowledge and leadership carried the boycott for over a year, leading to a Supreme Court ruling that desegregated buses in Montgomery. This event helped King and other colored folks apparent. King founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, not long after the Montgomery boycott, advocating for civil rights through peaceful yet effective protests.

DBHS Senior Roline Jean Baptist said, “I think Martin Luther King Jr. fought for everything he could at that time for our futures. And the biggest contribution he has given to society is fighting for segregation.”

In 1963, a distinguished moment in history, still known today, came when the March on Washington occurred. The iconic  I Have a Dream speech was given by Martin Luther King Jr. The quote was highly influential to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended legal segregation and protected voting rights for African Americans. It even led him to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, being the youngest to win it. All this commotion led to the Voting Rights of 1965.

“He did a lot in that time. Without his contribution, we would not be where we are today.” Said DBHS Senior Janay Civil, “he was a great leader. He took the small events and gave them meaning he was brave enough to go to jail.” 

Tragically, on April 4, 1968, Thursday evening, Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated when he was standing on a balcony at the Larraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His assassination created a wave across the world, creating outbreaks of racial violence, which caused many deaths. Even after his death, he was very influential, and eventually, his birthday officially became a federal holiday in all 50 states by 2000.

Written by Kervens Isma  | Graphic Designed by Kervens Isma

Published January 20, 2025 | ePathfinder | Feature