Five Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential figures of the Civil Rights Movement. He is celebrated for his contributions towards the eradication of racial segregation and advancement of equality for all Americans. Still, some fascinating details about his life remain largely unknown to many people. In this article, we’ll explore five intriguing facts you didn’t know about Martin Luther King Jr.
1. His original name wasn’t Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was named after his father, who was also a pastor. However, his original name was Michael King Jr. It wasn’t until his dad’s admiration for the German Protestant religious reformer, Martin Luther, led him to rename his son.
2. His honeymoon was at a funeral home
In 1953, Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott. However, they struggled to find a place to stay because hotels did not allow black guests. Eventually, they were offered lodging by a friend in a funeral home. They spent their first night as a married couple in a room surrounded by coffins.
3. He skipped two grades in high school
Martin Luther King Jr. was academically gifted as a child. He entered Morehouse College in Atlanta when he was just 15-years-old. At the age of 19, he was awarded a degree in Sociology. Later, he went on to earn a PhD in Theology from Boston University.
4. MLK was Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1963
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year. This was a significant achievement for a black person during a time when racial segregation was still prevalent. The following year, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his continued efforts towards racial equality and justice.
5. He influenced the creation of the first black superhero
Martin Luther King Jr. had a significant impact on popular culture. He inspired Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to create the first Black Superhero, the Black Panther, first seen in Fantastic Four #52. Black Panther was a fictional superhero who fought for civil rights and equality, just like MLK.
Conclusion
Martin Luther King Jr. is a figure who continues to inspire people to this day. His contributions towards the civil rights movement and his struggle for racial justice are well known. However, the facts mentioned above provide a glimpse into a lesser-known side of his life. These fascinating insights into his life add to the already great legacy he left behind.
