I have a dream. These timeless words echoed from the mouth of Martin Luther King Jr. and pierced the heart of a nation. Now, every third monday of the year hundreds of millions of people across the United States, Canada, and elsewhere celebrate the fact that the world is a better place because he dared to live it. And although most people are familiar with those four famous words, we would venture to say that there are at least a few things about King’s life you may not be aware of. So, as we honor one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time, here are 25 things you didn’t know about Martin Luther King Jr.
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25
Born with a different name
His father was born “Michael King” and Martin Luther King Jr. was originally called “Michael King Jr”. After a family trip to Germany his father, a pastor and missionary, changed both of their names to “Martin Luther” after the German Protestant Reformer.
24
Attempted Suicide
At 12 years old he jumped out of a second story window in an apparent suicide attempt following the death of his grandmother.
23
Was a prodigious student
He skipped two grades and left for college before formally graduating high school.
22
Received a bachelors degree at 19
Entering Moorehouse College at the age of 15, he was accepted as part of a early admittance program that was aimed to boost enrollment during the war.
21
Didn’t want to become a minister at first
Originally King had decided against entering the ministry and was considering becoming a doctor or a lawyer.
