Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is an American icon who along with other notable leaders led the Civil Rights Movement in the ’50s and ’60s. Take a look back at his life and career. 

Jan. 15, 1929 – Martin Luther King Jr. was born. His parents were Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King.

1944 – 1948 – MLK Jr. completed his bachelors of arts in sociology from Morehouse. He was admitted early into Morehouse at the age of 15. 

1951 – 1955: MLK Jr. completed his Ph.D. in systematic theology at Boston University, School of Theology. 

June 18, 1953: MLK Jr. married Coretta Scott.

1957: MLK Jr. was elected as the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. 

Jan. 22, 1960: MLK Jr. spoke at Iowa State University. His speech was titled “The Moral Challenges of the New Age”.

Aug. 28, 1963: MLK Jr. was one of the driving forces behind the March on Washington. He also famously gave his “I Have a Dream Speech.”

1964: MLK Jr. became the youngest person ever to be awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize. 

April 4, 1968: MLK Jr.’s life was cut short when he was assassinated at the Lorraine Hotel.