Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District

Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District includes the birthplace, church and grave site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

There are few figures of any race, nationality, or creed who have risen in so short a life span to a position of international prominence, especially for espousing the cause of peace and brotherhood, as has the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Born in his grandfather's house at 501 Auburn Avenue, raised in that community, educated at Moorhouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary and Boston University, Dr. King, through an occurance of fate, became the symbol of the Afro-American's quest for equal rights and a beacon of love to all peoples.

Dr. King, as leader of the MIA, SCLC and as pastor of the Dexter Avenue and Ebenezer Baptist Churches, stood in the forefront of the cMvil rights movement of the 50s and 60s.

He was an outspoken proponent of international peace and was one of the first Americans to speak out against the Vietnam War.

He was the organizer of the greatest marches in the history of the Nation, unifying persons of every background.

He was the organizer of many activities of the civil rights protest and at all times the exponent of non-violence.

Of his many awards and achievements, he was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize of 1964.

He at many times, with his wife, Coretta, at his side, placed himself in mortal danger to stand undaunted for the cause to which he had dedicated his life.

Dr. King was slain by an assassin in Memphis on April 4, 1968.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District was made a National Historic Landmark in 1974.