A pivotal figure in the civil rights struggle, Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929. He advocated for peaceful protest and gave well-known speeches, such as “I Have a Dream.” The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were passed thanks partly to his efforts. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed annually to honor King, who was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39. King’s legacy continues to inspire the continuous battle 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
King was a fervent supporter of peaceful protest and civil rights. He obtained a Bachelor of Divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary, a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Morehouse College. A key player in the civil rights struggle, he co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Net Worth
When adjusted for inflation, Martin Luther King Jr.’s estimated net worth at the time of his death in 1968 was over $1.8 million, or about $250,000. His main sources of income were speaking engagements, book royalties, and his leadership in the civil rights movement.
Major Speeches
King’s stirring speeches, which inspired support for civil rights, made him most famous. During the 1963 March on Washington, he gave his most well-known address, “I Have a Dream,” in which he outlined his vision for a society free from racial oppression. The day before his 1968 assassination, he gave another important speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” which focused on optimism and fortitude in the face of 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.
