Profile of the Day: Martin Luther King, Jr.

“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today the U.S. celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., who was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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

An icon of the American Civil Rights movement, King worked to end racial discrimination and inequality through non-violent protest and civil disobedience. In 1963, he helped to organize the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream Speech” at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Considered one of the defining moments of the Civil Rights movement, King’s speech called for an end to racism and for equal rights for all.

In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to combat racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. His leadership helped lead to the end of racial segregation in the South and to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Sadly on April 4, 1968, King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 39 years old.

To this day, King’s legacy continues to live on and inspire millions all around the world.

Explore Martin Luther King, Jr.’s family tree on Geni and share your connection to the civil rights icon.

View Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Geni Profile