Activist · 1929 – 1968
Martin Luther King Jr.
Little-Known Facts
- He was born Michael King Jr.; his father later changed both their names in honor of the reformer Martin Luther.
- At 35, King was at the time one of the youngest people ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Myths & Misconceptions
Was the 'I Have a Dream' speech entirely scripted?
No. King departed from his prepared text during the speech, and the famous 'I have a dream' passage was largely improvised in the moment.