Today we celebrate and honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a world-renowned civil rights activist, pastor, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize from 1964. Dr. Martin Luther King was an undeniable catalyst for social change during the civil rights movement, specifically by speaking out against inequality and racial injustice. We wanted to take a moment to reflect and commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s accomplishments over the years. Martin Luther King Jr. is the only non-president to have a national holiday in the United States. Some choose to celebrate his memory by performing acts of service, such as these 4 ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy on MLK Day.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. Although known to many as Martin, King was originally born as Michael Luther King, Jr., but he later changed his name to Martin. His family had generations serving as pastors for the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. His grandfather and father both worked as pastors from 1914 until 1931, and later Martin Luther King, Jr. worked as co-pastor from 1960 until he passed away. Today, there will be a special tribute for Dr. Martin Luther King’s 88th birthday celebration at The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, yet his legacy continues to live on. History.com decided to take a look at what if Martin Luther King hadn’t been killed?, an article which explores ideas about King’s legacy. The writer talks about how King would have continued to guide the civil rights movement until present day.

Martin Luther King, Jr. received his education at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he received his bachelor’s degree, and then studied theology at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. He received his Ph.D from Boston University at the age of 25 years old. He later married Coretta Scott and they had two children. Find out more about Corretta with her new memoir, My Life, My Love, My Legacy, which will be released tomorrow January 17, 2017. Although Corretta Scott King died in 2006, the memoir was assembled using digital recordings and stories from friends and family members.

According to the Nobel Peace Prize organization, “At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.” Learn more about his legacy at The King Center, which was originally established by his wife, Coretta King.

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his powerful “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington, DC addressing the state of racial inequality in the United States. One of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most unforgettable moments, the civil rights activist shared his message with over 200,000 attendees. Martin Luther King was also very inspired by Gandhi's non-violent protests in India. You can read the entire transcript of the speech, available through The King Center, or watch a full video of the live speech in Washington, DC. 

“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” This poster captures one of the most powerful lines from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, affirming his belief that one day people will be able to live together as brothers and sisters. Another truthful message shared by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this content of their character poster is a perfect gift for a teacher. History buffs, professors, and social activists will especially appreciate these inspirational Martin Luther King posters. 

“The time is always right to do what’s right.” Show everyone that you’re all about standing up for justice in times of oppression with this coffee mug. Featuring the famous quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. along the side, this is a one mug of java that’s ready to help make a stand. For more about Dr. Martin Luther King, be sure to check out Selma (2014), directed by Ava DuVernay. The film follows Martin Luther King's non-violent protests to achieve equal voting rights through a historical march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an eloquent speaker who could move so many with his poignant speeches and stirring words. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the hearts of so many.

Written by Jade Nicolette

Twitter: @nicolette_style