Martin Luther King Jr. was a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid 1950’s to his assassination in 1968. He was the leader of civil rights movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986. To celebrate his achievements and contributions to equality, here are some facts that you may not have known about Martin Luther King Jr.:
1. King’s birth name was Michael, not Martin
2. King entered college at the age of 15.
3. King received his doctorate in systematic theology.
4. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial.
5. King was imprisoned nearly 30 times.
6. King narrowly escaped an assassination attempt a decade before his death. On September 20, 1958 King was in Harlem signing copies of his new book. While he was signing copies of his new book, “Stride Toward Freedom”, he was approached by Izola Ware Curry. The woman asked if he was Martin Luther King Jr. After he said yes, Curry said, “I’ve been looking for you for five years,” and she plunged a seven-inch letter opener into his chest. The tip of the blade came to rest alongside his aorta, and King underwent hours of delicate emergency surgery. Surgeons later told King that just one sneeze could have punctured the aorta and killed him. From his hospital bed where he convalesced for weeks, King issued a statement affirming his nonviolent principles and saying he felt no ill will toward his mentally ill attacker.
7. King’s last public speech foretold his death. He told an audience at Mason Temple Church: “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now … I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
8. Memebers of King’s family did not believe James Earl Ray acted alone.
9. King’s mother was also slain by a bullet.
10. George Washington is the only other American to have had his birthday observed as a national holiday.
Cosmo Insurance Agency celebrates his contributions to the civil rights movement. We provide anyone with service regardless of race, ethnicity, or culture. We will be happy to service you with all your insurance needs.
