Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” iconic speech at the March on Washington did not begin that way. Mahaila Jackson, a famous gospel singer who was a major Civil Rights activist, approached him at the podium and said, “Tell ’em about your dream, Martin. Tell ’em.” Dr. King began at that moment, saying, “I have a dream…”

Dr. King’s first name was Michael. In 1934, his father, a Baptist minister, attended the National Baptist Conference in Germany and was inspired by the 16th Center teachings of religious thinker Martin Luther. Martin Luther King Jr. was already five years old when he received his name change. 

Dr. King was 15 years old when he began college as a result of skipping both 9th and 12th grade.  Dr. King received two Bachelor’s degrees and a Doctor of Philosophy at Boston University. 

Did you know Dr. King participated in what was called an “oratorical contest” in Valdosta when he was in high school? He received second place in Valdosta, Georgia. He went on to win first place in another part of Georgia. He spoke on The Negro and the Constitution. 

Stevie Wonder, an R&B singer, wrote a song titled “Happy Birthday” for Martin Luther King. This was an effort to help MLK Day. The song became a national holiday. It took six million to sign the petition for the House Speaker to pass this to be a national holiday. 

Doug Jones, Valdosta