LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — From penning a letter from Birmingham jail to peaceful protests to his "I have a Dream" speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most well-known civil rights leaders in the world.
Dr. King was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929.
From an early age, he was known as a gifted student.
He skipped two grades in High School and graduated at the age of 15.
Dr. King attended Morehouse College and eventually enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary to become a preacher, following in the footsteps of his father.
The civil rights activist met his wife while enrolled in a graduate program at Boston University.
Together the Kings had four children; Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter and Bernice.
As a young adult, King began to combine his ministry with social activism, leading marches and eventually a movement that would become etched in history.
On April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated, shot and killed, while standing on a balcony in Memphis.
James Earl Ray was arrested for his murder.
Dr. King was only 39 years old when he died.
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