Fifty-six years ago, on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically assassinated while fighting for justice and equality. His death marked a pivotal moment in American history; however, his influence continues to shape the world today.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the year 2025 is being celebrated today, January 20.
While many know him as a champion of civil rights, there are still lesser-known aspects of his life and legacy.
As the world celebrates the hero today, Tribune Online presents 10 things you may not know about the iconic figure, according to Ben and Harry:
1. Real Name
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born Michael King, Jr. His father, Michael King, Sr., changed both their names after a transformative trip to Germany in 1934. Inspired by Protestant reformer Martin Luther, King, Sr. adopted the name and passed it on to his son.
ALSO READ: MLK DAY 2025: 20 notable quotes by Martin Luther King, Jr
2. Enrollment at Age 15
King skipped both the 9th and 12th grades due to his academic excellence, allowing him to enter Morehouse College at the age of 15. His family had strong ties to Morehouse, which, at the time, only admitted African-American men.
3. Survived an Assassination Attempt in 1958
During a book signing in Harlem, a woman named Izola Ware Curry attempted to stab King with a letter opener. The blade came dangerously close to his aorta, and doctors later stated that even a sneeze could have been fatal.
4. Arrested 29 Times
King was arrested 29 times, mostly for civil disobedience during protests. Some of his arrests were for minor or trumped-up charges, including a fabricated speeding violation in Montgomery, Alabama.
5. Founder of the Poor People’s Campaign
In 1967, Dr. King launched the Poor People’s Campaign, a movement aimed at addressing economic injustice and poverty across the United States by uniting people from all walks of life.
6. A Star Trek Fan
King was a devoted fan of Star Trek, particularly admiring Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura. He famously told Nichols that her role on the show was crucial for representation and even allowed his children to stay up late to watch it.
7. Under Surveillance by the FBI
The FBI began monitoring King in 1955 and intensified their surveillance after his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, labelling him the “most dangerous and effective Negro leader in the country.”
8. A Skilled Pool Player
Beyond his activism, King had a love for playing pool and was reportedly quite skilled. This lesser-known hobby revealed a relaxed and personable side of the civil rights leader.
9. His Birthday Became a National Holiday
The third Monday of January is celebrated as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday honouring his legacy. He is one of only two individuals, along with George Washington, whose birthdays are recognised as national holidays in the United States.
10. The Poor People’s Campaign Lives On
In 2017, the Poor People’s Campaign was revived, 50 years after King first launched it. Led by Rev. William Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharis, the movement continues to address systemic poverty, racism, and inequality in America.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
