Martin Luther King Jr.

civil rights · nonviolent resistance · American hero · justice

Famous "I Have a Dream" speech. In 1963, King gave an unforgettable speech in front of 250,000 people in Washington, D.C., sharing his vision of a future where people would be judged by their character, not their skin color.

Chose peaceful protest. Even when facing anger and violence, King believed in nonviolent resistance, using peaceful marches, boycotts, and sit-ins instead of fighting back with force.

Changed American laws. King's courage and leadership helped end Jim Crow laws that had unfairly separated Black and white people in schools, restaurants, bathrooms, and other public places.

Won the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1964, at just 35 years old, King received the world's highest honor for peace work because of his dedication to ending discrimination without violence.

Tragically assassinated. On April 4, 1968, King was killed in Memphis, Tennessee, but his powerful message of equality and justice continues to inspire people around the world today.