Birth date and place
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. He was born at home to Alberta Williams King and Martin Luther King Sr., and his given name at birth was Michael King Jr. The family later changed his name to Martin Luther King to align with his father’s name and the memory of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther.
Name at birth and family background
At birth, the civil rights leader was named Michael King Jr. His father, Michael King Sr., later changed both his own name and his son’s name to Martin Luther around 1934, inspired by the German reformer Martin Luther. This change is an important biographical detail that is sometimes overlooked in summaries of his life.
Biographic context and legacy
MLK became a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement, best known for his role in advancing nonviolent protest and for his influence on civil rights legislation in the 1960s. His birth in Atlanta situates his early life within the specific social and legal context of the segregated South, which shaped his activism and rhetoric.
Fast facts on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | January 15, 1929 | Biographic records and authoritative histories |
| Place of birth | Atlanta, Georgia, United States | Biographic records and authoritative histories |
| Name at birth | Michael King Jr. | Biographic records and authoritative histories |
| Parents | Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King | Biographic records and authoritative histories |
| Renamed | Martin Luther King Jr. (c. 1934) | Biographic records and authoritative histories |
Contextual details often overlooked
Understanding when Martin Luther King Jr. was born helps anchor his life within the era of Jim Crow laws and early 20th-century Black church leadership. The shift from Michael to Martin reflects a deliberate familial and spiritual realignment. His birth in Atlanta connects to the city’s rich history of African American institutions, which influenced his intellectual and spiritual development.
Why the date matters today
Because Martin Luther King Jr. is commemorated with a federal holiday, precise knowledge of his birth date matters for historical accuracy and respectful observance. The third Monday in January aligns closely with January 15, reinforcing the connection between the man and the national observance dedicated to his legacy.
Key references cited
Core biographical details are drawn from standard historical records and reputable biographical sources that document the life of Martin Luther King Jr. These include official documentation of his birth and widely cited histories of the civil rights movement.
Quick timeline around his birth
- January 15, 1929: Martin Luther King Jr. born in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 1934: Name changed from Michael King Jr. to Martin Luther King Jr.
- 1955–1968: Leadership during the modern civil rights movement.
- 1983: Federal holiday established in the United States.
- 1994: Martin Luther King Jr. Day designated as a national day of service.