Martin Luther King Jr., who played a vital role in the civil rights movement, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the cause of nonviolent protest, delivered several popular speeches, such as the most popular “I Have a Dream,” and fought to ensure passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Day is commemorated every year in his honor. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39. His legacy continues to inspire the ongoing fight for equality.
| Full Name: | Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Birth Date: | January 15, 1929 |
| Death Date: | April 4, 1968 |
| Age at Death: | 39 years old |
| Net Worth at Death: | Approximately $250,000 (over $1.8 million today) |
Family
Alberta Williams King, a schoolteacher, and Martin Luther King Sr., a pastor, were the parents of Martin Luther King Jr. He has a younger brother named Alfred Daniel Williams King and an older sister named Christine. On June 18, 1953, King wed Coretta Scott, and the couple had four kids: Bernice, Dexter, Martin III, and Yolanda.
| Relation | Name | Details |
| Father : | Martin Luther King Sr. | Pastor and civil rights leader |
| Mother : | Alberta Williams King | School teacher |
| Sister : | Christine King | Older sister |
| Brother : | Alfred Daniel Williams King | Younger brother |
| Wife : | Coretta Scott King | Married in 1953; civil rights activist |
| Son : | Martin Luther King III | Born in 1957 |
| Son : | Dexter Scott King | Born in 1961 |
| Daughter : | Yolanda King | Born in 1955 |
| Daughter : | Bernice King | Born in 1963 |
Work
Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent exponent of peaceful protest and civil rights. He graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary, a PhD in Systematic Theology from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Morehouse College. As the face of the civil rights movement, he founded, along with others, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to plan and coordinate civil rights action and equal justice movements.
Net Worth
When adjusted for inflation, the estimated net worth of Martin Luther King Jr. at the time of his death in 1968 was more than $1.8 million, which in today’s dollars is approximately $250,000. His principal sources of income were speaking fees, book royalties, and being a leader of the civil rights movement.
Major Speeches
Martin Luther King Jr. became known for his highly influential speeches in support of civil rights. Perhaps his most popular speech was his “I Have a Dream,” which he spoke during the March on Washington of 1963, in which he described what he envisioned the society to look like when freed from racial discrimination. The day before his assassination in 1968, King gave one other important speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” which highlighted hope and strength in the face of challenges and adversity.
Facts
- Assassination: On April 4, 1968, King was tragically slain in Memphis, Tennessee, which led to rioting and national grief.
- Legacy: In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions to civil rights, the third Monday in January is designated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Memorial: As a tribute to his lasting impact and dedication to justice, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., was dedicated in 2011.
