Profile of the Day: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today we remember civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would have been his 95th birthday.

Image: Martin Luther King, Jr. / Library of Congress

King was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia to Martin Luther King, Sr., a Baptist pastor, and Alberta Williams King, a former schoolteacher. A gifted student, King enrolled in Morehouse College at the age of 15.

An inspiring leader, King sought to bring an end to racial discrimination through non-violent protest and civil disobedience. In one of the defining moments of the American Civil Rights movement, King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream Speech” at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington. In his powerful speech, King called for the end of racism and for equal rights for all.

Sadly, King was killed on April 4, 1968 after he was shot while standing on a balcony outside of his hotel room.

In honor of his memory, the third Monday of January is observed as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day each year in the United States.

Check out Martin Luther King, Jr.’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the civil rights leader.

View Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Geni Profile