5 Things You Didn’t Know About Martin Luther King Jr.

Perhaps you got the day off from work to commemorate this man's crusade for civil rights equality.   75,000 spectators gathered in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial 52 years ago to watch a speech that they would never forget. Forever etched in the hearts and minds of Americans, is Martin Luther King Jr.’s ”I Have a Dream" speech. This landmark oration took place near the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington on August 28, 1963.

Are you fortunate enough to be enjoying a day off today?  If so, take some time to reflect and remember this day.

Here are a few Martin Luther King Jr. fun facts:

1.  He sang with his Atlanta church choir at the 1939 premiere of Gone with the Wind. He was just 9 years old.

One of the film's stars, Hattie McDaniel, refused to attend because Loew's Grand Theatre had separate sections for black and white film goers. (Washington Post)

 

2.  He skipped 9th and 12th grade and enrolled in college at age 15!  He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology at 19. At 25, he completed his doctorate at Boston University.

3.  He appeared on the cover of Time magazine 22 times!  In the January 1964 issue, he was featured as "Man of the Year. He was the first African-American to receive this prestigious title.

4.  He won a Grammy Award!   Most likely you're aware of King be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 but did you know he also received a Grammy (posthumously?) He won the award in the category: "Best Spoken Word", for his recording of "Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam."

5.  He was a fan of Star Trek! He personally convinced one of the actresses, Nichelle Nicols,  to remain on the show. She considered leaving to pursue a career in theater. The Dr. talked her out of it!

Here's Dr. Kings Grammy Award winning speech: