In addition to his leadership in the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King had many other achievements. At age fifteen he graduated high school and went to Morehouse college and then Pennsylvania Seminary to further his studies. He then later enrolled into Boston University and received his Ph.D. at age twenty-five. During this time he was married to Coretta Scott and had four children.
Once new to the community of Montgomery City, many nominated Dr.King to represent the city-wide boycott in 1955. The reason being that he was “well-liked, and had family connections, so he would have high credibility.” But Martin Luther King was also a man to lead a normal life. Before these important events, Dr.King did not plan on becoming a nationally known civil rights leader. Planning to be a Pastor like his father, Martin Luther King was looking for a peaceful place to settle down with a family. Though as a family they settled in Montgomery City, it did not take long for people to realize the qualities he possessed and for him to be known as a natural-born leader.
Once, Dr. King used his leadership to convince Nichelle Nichols (from the tv show Star Trek) to stay on the show because she had the power to break the stereotypical view of black people that was so common. This inspired many African American stars of today to try and reach Hollywood. Known for leadership, Dr. King was also known for his sense of humor. Martin Luther King actually took his wife to a funeral home for their honeymoon. Though no family member died, Dr. King was able to score a deal with the owner, who happened to be a friend.
Martin Luther King, Jr., was more than just what he is famous for. He was a great leader, but also just a normalhuman being. Some could say that he knew how to live and he set out to make sure that all people could live that life. What he has done for this nation changed it forever, and that is why we salute him each year on the day specifically designed to honor him. Think of how resentful and different the world would be today if it had not been for Dr. King’s actions influencing so many others.
-by Tenille Duessler