Celebrate MLK Day today, Jan. 17, 2022, by learning 10 new facts about the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.
- King’s birth name was Michael, not Martin.
- King entered college when he was 15 years old.
- King received his doctorate in systematic theology.
- King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial.
- King was jailed 29 times.
- King narrowly escaped an assassination attempt a decade before the assassination that killed him.
- King’s last public speech foretold his death.
- Members of King’s family did not believe James Earl Ray acted alone.
- King’s mother was also murdered by gun violence.
- King is the only non-president to have a national holiday.
