Things You Didn't Know About Dr Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King Jr. wasn't always Martin. He was born Michael King Jr. on January 15, 1929. His father, Michael King Sr., was a pastor who traveled to Germany in 1934 and was inspired by the Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther. Upon returning, he changed his and his son's names to Martin Luther King. 

King was no ordinary student. He was so academically gifted that he skipped both the ninth and twelfth grades, entering Morehouse College at the tender age of 15. While most teenagers were worrying about prom and acne, young Martin was diving into the complexities of sociology and theology. Talk about an overachiever!

By the age of 26, King had earned his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University. His dissertation, titled "A Comparison of the Conceptions of God in the Thinking of Paul Tillich and Henry Nelson Wieman," showcased his intellectual prowess. So, next time you're struggling with a term paper, just remember that King was tackling theological heavyweights before he could legally rent a car.

Before his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, King delivered his first national address on voting rights at the Lincoln Memorial in 1957 during the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom. Though less well-known, this speech was a crucial moment in his rise to national prominence. It's like the opening act that sets the stage for the headliner—important but often overlooked.

In a delightful twist, King enjoyed the original "Star Trek" series. He even convinced actress Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura, to stay on the show when she considered leaving. King recognized the importance of her role as one of the first African American women on television in a non-stereotypical role. So, the next time you watch "Star Trek," remember that MLK had a hand in keeping the crew of the Starship Enterprise together.

In 1964, at 35, King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at that time. He donated the prize money, amounting to $54,123, to the civil rights movement. This act of generosity underscored his dedication to the cause and his belief in the power of collective action. It's like winning the lottery and giving it all away to charity—truly selfless.

King's academic achievements were significant, but they were later marred by allegations of plagiarism. His doctoral dissertation at Boston University, titled "A Comparison of the Conceptions of God in the Thinking of Paul Tillich and Henry Nelson Wieman," was found to contain passages copied from other sources without proper attribution. Despite this, Boston University decided not to revoke his Ph.D., acknowledging the significant contributions he made to society.

King's personal life has also been the subject of scrutiny. The FBI, under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover, conducted extensive surveillance on King, hoping to find information that could discredit him. These surveillance tapes reportedly captured evidence of King's extramarital affairs. While these allegations have been widely discussed, they have also been criticized for being part of a broader effort to undermine his work and reputation.

More troubling are the accusations that King witnessed and possibly encouraged inappropriate behavior. According to some reports, including FBI memos, King was present during instances of misconduct and did not intervene. These allegations are highly controversial and have sparked significant debate among historians and scholars.

King's life was marked by immense pressure and personal struggles. He faced constant threats to his life and the lives of his family members. These pressures took a toll on his mental health, and he reportedly struggled with depression. This aspect of his life is less discussed but adds a layer of complexity to his public persona.

King was no stranger to the inside of a jail cell. He was imprisoned nearly 30 times for acts of civil disobedience and on trumped-up charges. One particularly absurd arrest occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1956, where he was jailed for driving 30 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone. It's almost as if the authorities were trying to find any excuse to lock him up. "Speeding? That'll do!"