Real Life American Heroes: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hi, SuperCaptainBraveFans! In honor of our continued celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting real-life African American Heroes. Our first Hero is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a courageous man who inspired people everywhere during a time in American History called segregation. Segregation was when people of different races, ethnic groups, and skin colors were separated in their daily lives. This law meant people of different races couldn’t go to the same hospitals, or go to the same schools, or even use the same bathrooms. This separation caused a lot of racial prejudice, or treating other people negatively because of the color of their skin.

Dr. King grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and experienced a lot of this racial prejudice as a young boy. This inspired his life mission of achieving justice and equality for Americans of all races. Dr. King’s belief in non-violent and peaceful protest against this unjust law was adopted by people across the country to bring social change.

These protests were met with hardships. Dr. King was arrested several times while peacefully protesting segregation. Although it was difficult, Dr. King continued to fight for the rights of equality for Americans everywhere, these liberties are called Civil Rights. In 1964, Dr. King and his supporters achieved the goal of the Civil Rights Act, a law that outlawed racial segregation. This rule was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson with Dr. King by his side.

 Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize, a high honor that is given to people who encourage peace around the world, in 1964. In that same year, Dr. King gave his most famous speech, the “I Have A Dream” speech, which was delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This helped boost nationwide support for the end of segregation. His role in the Civil Rights Movement inspired many to speak out against racial inequality. In 1968, Dr. King was shot at a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. He passed away that same day.

 Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered today as one of the best speakers in American history, a true leader of the Civil Rights Movement, and a hero for positive change. Every third Monday in January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day when we honor his legacy and the amazing changes he helped make to give all of us the equality we deserve.

 Dr. King once said, “Injustice everywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This philosophy, or belief, lives on in the hearts of Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Hero who continues to inspire us to stand up for what’s right.

 Thanks for reading our article about African American Hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Join us again throughout the month of February as we continue to highlight African American Heroes for Black History Month!