10 Surprising Facts About MLK That You Probably Didn’t Know
Martin Luther King Jr. is undoubtedly one of the most prominent and celebrated civil rights leaders in American history. His tireless efforts to push for equality and justice for all still inspire people around the world today. However, despite the countless documentaries, books, and movies, there are still many facts about MLK that most people are not aware of. In this article, we’ll explore ten of these surprising facts that shed light on the man behind the legend.
1. He skipped two grades and entered college at the age of 15.
Despite facing various forms of discrimination throughout his life, MLK was an excellent student and excelled academically. He skipped both the ninth and twelfth grades, entering Morehouse College in Atlanta at the age of 15. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
2. He was initially reluctant to join the civil rights movement.
Believe it or not, MLK was not initially interested in activism or civil rights. He begrudgingly agreed to lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, a move that would catapult him into the national spotlight. However, he quickly became passionate about the cause and dedicated his life to the fight for justice.
3. He was under FBI surveillance for most of his adult life.
The FBI surveillance of MLK is well-documented, but what many people do not realize is that the agency began monitoring him when he was just 24 years old and continued to do so until his assassination in 1968. The FBI’s surveillance of MLK included wiretapping his phones and even attempting to blackmail him.
4. He was a prolific writer, with over 20 books and hundreds of articles to his name.
In addition to his speeches and sermons, MLK was a prolific writer. He wrote over 20 books during his lifetime and penned countless articles for magazines and newspapers. His writing style was persuasive and engaging, imbued with deep moral convictions and a passion for justice.
5. He was a staunch critic of the Vietnam War.
MLK was not just a civil rights leader; he was also an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War. In his “Beyond Vietnam” speech, delivered in 1967, he spoke out against the war, arguing that it was not only immoral but also a drain on resources that could be used to fight poverty and inequality.
6. He was a vegetarian.
Although he was not a strict vegetarian, MLK eschewed meat and believed that a plant-based diet was healthier and more ethical. He often spoke out against the cruel treatment of animals in the meat industry, and his views on the subject were ahead of their time.
7. His “I Have a Dream” speech was not his only famous speech.
While MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech is undoubtedly his most famous, he delivered many other speeches that were just as powerful and impactful. Some of his other notable speeches include “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” “The Drum Major Instinct,” and “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”
8. He was a gifted musician.
In addition to his other talents, MLK was also a gifted musician. He played both the piano and the organ and was known for incorporating music into his sermons and speeches. He even released an album of his sermons and speeches set to music.
9. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In recognition of his contributions to civil rights and his tireless efforts to promote equality and justice, MLK was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
10. He had a strong connection to Gandhi.
MLK was deeply influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian independence leader who advocated for peaceful resistance and civil disobedience. MLK often cited Gandhi’s philosophy as a guiding principle in his own activism, and he even traveled to India to learn more about Gandhi’s life and ideas.
Conclusion
Martin Luther King Jr. was a complex and multifaceted person, with a range of talents, interests, and passions that extended beyond his activism. These ten surprising facts give us a glimpse into the man behind the legend and help us to better understand his life and legacy.
