Menena cotton biography of martin luther king

Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) is remembered as one of the greatest leaders in American history. His dedication to justice, equality, and nonviolence changed the civil rights movement and left a lasting mark on the country.

Let’s look closer at his life, the influences that shaped him, his achievements, the challenges he faced, and the powerful legacy he left behind.

A Childhood in Segregated America

Martin Luther King Jr.

was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, during a time when racial segregation was everywhere.

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He grew up in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, a lively Black community, as the second of three children. His father, Martin Luther King Sr., was a preacher who spoke out against racial injustice. At the same time, his mother, Alberta, was a schoolteacher who valued education and encouraged young Martin to dream big.

King’s first personal experience with racism came at just six years old when a white friend’s parents told them they couldn’t play together a