Martin Luther King Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on martin luter king.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an African-American leader in the U.S. He lost his life while performing a peaceful protest for the betterment of blacks in America. His real name was Michael King Jr. He completed his studies and attained a Ph.D. After that, he joined the American Civil Right Movement. He was among one of the great men who dedicated their life for the community.

Martin Luther King Essay

Reason for Martin Luther King to be famous

There are two reasons for someone to be famous either he is a good man or a very bad person. Martin Luther King was among the good one who dedicated his life to the community. Martin Luther King was also known as MLK Jr. He gained popularity after he became the leader and spokesperson of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.

Martin Luther King was an American activist, minister, and humanitarian. Also, he had worked for several other causes and actively participated in many protests and boycotts. He was a peaceful man that has faith in Christian beliefs and non-violence. Also, his inspiration for them was the work of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. For his work in the field of civil rights, the Nobel Committee awarded him the Nobel Peace Prize.

He was a great speaker that motivated the blacks to protest using non-violence. Also, he uses peaceful strategies like a boycott, protest march , and sit-ins, etc. for protests against the government.

Impact of King

King is one of the renowned leaders of the African-American who worked for the welfare of his community throughout his life. He was very famous among the community and is the strongest voice of the community. King and his fellow companies and peaceful protesters forced the government several times to bend their laws. Also, kings’ life made a seismic impact on life and thinking of the blacks. He was among one of the great leaders of the era.

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Humanitarian and civil rights work

As we know that King was a civic leader . Also, he has taken part in many civil right campaigns and boycotts like the Bus Boycott, Voting Rights and the most famous March on Washington. In this march along with more than 200,000 people, he marched towards Washington for human right. Also, it’s the largest human right campaign in U.S.A. history. During the protest, he gave a speech named “I Have a Dream” which is history’s one of the renowned speeches.

Death and memorial

During his life working as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement he makes many enemies. Also, the government and plans do everything to hurt his reputation. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. Every year the US celebrates his anniversary as Martin Luther King Jr. day in the US. Also, they honored kings’ memory by naming school and building after him and a Memorial at Independence Mall.

Martin Luther King was a great man who dedicated his whole life for his community. Also, he was an active leader and a great spokesperson that not only served his people but also humanity. It was due to his contribution that the African-American got their civil rights.

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

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  • Martin Luther King

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Essay on Martin Luther King

In the tapestry of American history, few figures shine as brightly as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence transformed the landscape of civil rights in the United States. This essay aims to delve into the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of this iconic leader, offering insights for students in essay writing competitions.

Early Life and Influences

Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in a society deeply scarred by racial segregation and discrimination. His father, a Baptist minister, and his mother, a schoolteacher, instilled in him strong values of faith, education, and the importance of fighting against injustice.

The Journey to Civil Rights Leadership

King’s journey as a civil rights leader began with his education, where he excelled academically and spiritually. He attended Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary, and eventually earned a doctorate from Boston University. It was during these formative years that King’s philosophy of nonviolent protest was shaped, heavily influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott

The turning point in King’s life came with the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Sparked by Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger, the boycott was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. King’s leadership throughout the 381-day-long nonviolent protest gained national attention and marked the beginning of a new era in the fight for civil rights.

The “I Have a Dream” Speech

Perhaps the most defining moment of King’s career was the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where he delivered the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. His powerful words, envisioning a future where people would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character, echoed across the world, becoming a symbol of hope and change.

Achievements and Impact

Martin Luther King Jr. made profound achievements and had a lasting impact on civil rights, equality, and social justice in the United States. Here are some of his key achievements and the enduring effects of his work:

Achievements

  • Civil Rights Leadership: Martin Luther King emerged as a prominent leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, advocating for equal rights and an end to racial segregation.
  • Montgomery Bus Boycott: His leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) marked a significant victory against segregation, leading to the Supreme Court’s ruling that segregated buses were unconstitutional.
  • March on Washington: King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom drew attention to the struggle for racial equality and is considered one of the most iconic speeches in history.
  • Civil Rights Act of 1964: His activism played a crucial role in the passing of the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
  • Nobel Peace Prize: In 1964, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice and his efforts to achieve civil rights through peaceful means.
  • Voting Rights Act of 1965: His leadership contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, which removed barriers to voting for African Americans and other minority groups.
  • Nonviolent Philosophy: King’s commitment to nonviolent resistance influenced and inspired countless activists worldwide, promoting peaceful means of achieving social change.
  • Advancement of Civil Rights: King’s work significantly advanced civil rights for African Americans and laid the groundwork for future legislative and social changes.
  • Influence on Future Activists: His philosophy of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience continues to inspire activists and movements advocating for justice and equality.
  • Symbol of Equality: King’s legacy serves as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality and social justice, not only in the United States but globally.
  • Legal and Social Change: His efforts directly led to significant legal changes, such as the end of segregation and the expansion of voting rights, as well as contributing to broader social changes.
  • National Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated annually on the third Monday in January, honors his contributions to civil rights and encourages community service.
  • Continued Advocacy: Organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), co-founded by King, continue to advocate for civil rights and equality.
  • Inspiration for Education: MLK’s life and work are widely studied in schools, fostering discussions on civil rights, equality, and social justice.

The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

King’s untimely death on April 4, 1968, was a devastating blow to the civil rights movement. However, his legacy endures. He left behind a blueprint for change and a vision of a more just and equitable world.

Martin Luther King Jr. remains a towering figure in the history of American civil rights. His life and work continue to inspire those who fight for justice and equality. For students participating in essay writing competitions, King’s story is not just a chapter in history books; it’s a testament to the power of courage, conviction, and the enduring impact of nonviolent resistance. King’s dream continues to resonate, reminding us that while the journey towards equality is long and arduous, it is a path worth treading.

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The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr. Volume I

Volume I begins with the childhood letters Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote to his mother and father.

A series of letters written while he was working at a summer job on a tobacco farm in Connecticut reveal his initial impressions of life outside the segregated South. A few years later, King would refer to this time as a crucial period in his religious evolution when he “felt and inescapable urge to serve society... in a sense of responsibility which I could not escape.”

As a teenager at Morehouse College, the young King initially planned to become a lawyer or physician rather than become a minister like his father. Greatly affected by the influence of Morehouse College’s president Benjamin E. Mays, King described his studies at Morehouse as “very exciting.” He persistently questioned literal interpretations of biblical texts and criticized traditional Baptist teachings. But by his senior year, he decided to follow his father’s “noble example” into the ministry. King’s continuing struggle to resolve his religious doubts is revealed in the essays and examinations written while he was at Crozer Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. The intensity of his search for a sense of theological certainty and the depth of his deliberations regarding his ultimate decision to accept his religious calling are clearly revealed. By the time he left Crozer, he had found new value in his early religious experiences and had reached enduring conclusions about his own faith.

Download Introduction to Volume 1 (pdf)

Chronology 

In this publication, crozer theological seminary placement committee: confidential evaluation of martin luther king, jr., by george w. davis.

Davis, George W. (Washington) (Crozer Theological Seminary) November 15, 1950

To Martin Luther King, Sr.

King, Martin Luther, Jr. January 18, 1940

More Publications

The papers of martin luther king, jr. volume vii, a knock at midnight, the martin luther king, jr., encyclopedia.

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COMMENTS

  1. Martin Luther King Essay for Students and Children

    500+ Words Essay on Martin Luter King. Martin Luther King Jr. was an African-American leader in the U.S. He lost his life while performing a peaceful protest for the betterment of blacks in America. His real name was Michael King Jr. He completed his studies and attained a Ph.D.

  2. PDF Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Man for All Time

    Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life, inspiration, and legacy continue to be felt in cities and towns across America and the world. As Jefferson trustee Dr. Baher Ghosheh pointed out, King's revolutionary life and impact were global as he was influenced by India's Mahatma Gandhi and King, in turn, influenced South Africa's Nelson Mandela.

  3. "The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus"

    Author: King, Martin Luther, Jr. (Crozer Theological Seminary) Date: November 29, 1949 to February 15, 1950? Location: Chester, Pa.? Genre: Essay Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Education Details. This paper, written at the beginning of the second term of Davis's course Christian Theology for Today, indicates King's estrangement from the conservative Baptist theology he learned as a child.

  4. "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence"

    In this essay, King stresses the academic influences that have led him to embrace nonviolence as "a way of life."1 He also relates that his "involvement in a difficult struggle" had changed his conception of God from a "metaphysical category" to "a living reality that has been validated in the experiences of everyday life.".

  5. PDF Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest Winners

    Martin Luther King was born on January 15, 1929 and died on April 4, 1968. He grew up to be a minister. He gave a famous speech that changed the world forever. Sadly, just 5 years after Dr. King gave his speech preaching his dreams for the future he was assassinated. Today, we honor Martin Luther King for how he stopped segregation and how he ...

  6. PDF I Have a Dream speech

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was late afternoon, on a warm August day, as Martin Luther King, Jr. stood before a crowd of more than 250,000 onlookers at the March on Washington to deliver his now famous "I have a Dream" speech. Many who gathered in the crowd that day were tired from the long train and bus rides that brought them from the ...

  7. "The Negro and the Constitution"

    More polished than other pieces that King wrote as a teenager, the essay probably benefited from adult editing and from King's awareness of similar orations. ... Martin Luther King," New York Post, 10 April 1957; Playboy interview with Martin Luther King, Jr., Playboy, January 1965. 2. Marian Anderson was barred from singing in Constitution ...

  8. PDF I HAVE A DREAM

    Martin Luther King, Jr. I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

  9. PDF An Introduction to Martin Luther King, Jr

    Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 1986. I. EARLY LIFE Martin Luther King, Jr., was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King.[3] King's father was born

  10. PDF The Other America

    Dr. Martin Luther King. [By 1967, war, racism, and poverty had become the dominant issues confronting America and the Freedom Movement. On April 4, Dr. King forcefully speaks out against the Vietnam War with "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence," delivered at Riverside Church in New York City. Ten days later, in a speech at Stanford ...

  11. PDF The Civil Rights Movement: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X

    • Compare and Contrast: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X PROCEDURE 1. This assignment may be an in-class essay, which will require students to write under a time limit, or a take-home essay. 2. Review and discuss, as needed, the information in the In Context sections for Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. 3.

  12. PDF Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963) [Abridged]

    Martin Luther King Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963) [Abridged] April 16, 1963 My Dear Fellow Clergymen, While confined here in the Birmingham City Jail, I came across your recent statement calling our present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom, if ever, do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas …

  13. Three Essays on Religion

    Author: King, Martin Luther, Jr. Date: September 1, 1948 to May 31, 1951? Location: Chester, Pa.? Genre: Essay Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Education Details. In the following three essays, King wrestles with the role of religion in modern society. In the first assignment, he calls science and religion "different though converging truths" that both "spring from the same seeds of ...

  14. PDF Martin Luther King

    March to Lincoln Memorial where King made his iconic 'I have a dream speech'. His vision moved many whites. Despite Kennedy's fear of this growing violent; it did not, and actually helped the Civil Rights Act get past a year later. The years 1963 to 1965 were probably the high point of King's popularity and even the movement as a whole.

  15. Essay on Martin Luther King [Edit & Download], Pdf

    This essay aims to delve into the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of this iconic leader, offering insights for students in essay writing competitions. Early Life and Influences. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in a society deeply scarred by racial segregation and discrimination.

  16. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Summarize This Article. Martin Luther King, Jr. (born January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.—died April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee) was a Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968.

  17. PDF The Essential Works of Martin Luther King, Jr., for Students

    A Time to Break Silence: The Essential Works of Martin Luther King, Jr., for Students. Martin Luther King, Jr. Edited and Introduced by Walter Dean Myers Paperback: 978--8070-3305- / $14.00 / 272 pages Exam copy price: $3.00 Also available in e-book and hardcover. Examination copies of . A Time to Break Silence . are available to teachers

  18. The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr. Volume I

    King's continuing struggle to resolve his religious doubts is revealed in the essays and examinations written while he was at Crozer Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. ... (pdf) Contents. Date. Title. 13 Jun 1937. To Martin Luther King, Sr. 1 Apr 1939. In Memoriam ... Martin Luther King, Sr., marries Alberta Christine Williams at Ebenezer ...

  19. PDF The Civil Rights Movement: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X

    This assignment may be an in-class essay, which will require students to write under a time limit, or a take-home essay. 1. Review and discuss, as needed, the information in the Historical Background sections for Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. 2. The students should have the two completed assignments from Lessons 1 and 2 as well as copies of

  20. PDF Our Dreams for Equality

    Make sure to highlight these important facts about King's life: Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His father, Martin Luther King, Sr., was the pastor of a Baptist church and hated the South's segregation laws that kept white and black people separated. Martin Luther King, Jr. was very bright and entered college ...

  21. PDF The troubling legacy of Martin Luther King

    "King looked on, laughed and offered advice," Sullivan or one of his deputies then added in handwriting. While that claim appears only as an annotation, other sim - ilar marginalia, e.g. "more on this" one page prior, suggest f Martin Luther King arrives at the FBI to speak with J. Edgar Hoover on December 1, 1964. Their meeting was highly

  22. PDF Full text to the I Have A Dream speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Junior

    Full text to the "I Have A Dream" speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Junior I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

  23. PDF 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest

    It is a time for the nation to remember the injustices that Dr. King fought. He fought for the freedom, dignity, and equality of all races and peoples. In honor and celebration of Dr. King's legacy, The Frances Xavier Warde School is conducting an essay contest. Grade 6-8 student participants are asked to write an essay based on this MLK quote: