The renowned phrase from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was partially extemporaneous and omitted from the initial manuscript. Prior to the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, Dr. King had employed the aforementioned term on multiple occasions during his speeches.
However, certain members of his advisory team expressed disapproval and subsequently eliminated it from the initial versions. Mahalia Jackson, a famed gospel singer, and King’s friend, urged him to “tell them about the dream, Martin,” as he gave his speech to the country.
The three-page speech, which King brought to the podium on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial while holding a loan from Villanova University, completely omits the words “I Have a Dream.” Here are five more interesting facts about King’s life and legacy in recognition of this most recent temporary acquisition.
1. Martin Luther King Jr. Was Named After the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther
King’s father, a revered Atlanta pastor previously known by his given name of Michael King Sr., set out on a worldwide pilgrimage for his faith in 1934. Before coming to Berlin to attend the Baptist World Alliance gathering, the senior King visited Rome, Tunisia, Egypt, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem.
Only a year had passed since Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor, and the trip to Germany would have a significant impact on him. Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian whose 95 Theses opposed the Catholic Church and ultimately divided Western Christianity, earned the senior King’s esteem as he traveled.
After returning to the US, Martin Luther King Sr. named himself and his five-year-old son after the Protestant Reformation leader. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth certificate was altered on July 23, 1957.
2. King Entered College When He Was 15 Years old
King skipped two grades and attended college at 15. Morehouse College accepted him in 1944 and he graduated with a B.A. in Sociology in 1948 at the age of 19. King was inspired by Morehouse president Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. In Chester, Pennsylvania, King attended Crozer Theological Seminary.
After getting a C in public speaking, he was voted student body president and graduated valedictorian in 1951. Doctoral studies at Boston University earned him a Ph.D. at age 25. After meeting Coretta Scott in Boston, King joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
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3. King Was Arrested 29 Times
His accusations included anything from civil disobedience to traffic infractions, many of which were withdrawn. Visit The King Institute to learn more about his arrests. After a three-hour procedure to remove a knife from his chest, Dr. Emil A. Naclerio is shown standing at Martin Luther King Jr.’s bedside in Harlem Hospital on September 21.
4. King Survived an Assassination Attempt a Decade Before His Death
A young woman approached King at a Harlem Blumstein’s department store on September 20, 1958, when he was signing books. When Izola Ware Curry inquired if he was Martin Luther King Jr., she stabbed him in the chest with a seven-inch letter opener after he said “yes.”
Curry alleges she pursued him for five years, assuming he was Communist. King had hours of emergency surgery after the stab wound missed his heart. King later released a statement reaffirming his nonviolent views and denying any hatred towards his attacker.
5. After His Death, the King Family Filed a Civil Case Against the Government and Won
On December 8, 1999, twelve jurors unanimously determined King’s death was caused by a conspiracy. The Memphis trial lasted four weeks and had over 70 witnesses. The jury decided after an hour of deliberation due to the evidence.
The evidence strongly suggested James Earl Ray was set up to bear the blame. After Ray did not shoot, local, state, and federal government agencies and the Mafia were blamed. Charity received $100 from the King family. Never mind the money—they wanted the truth and justice. Please refer to the tweet provided below for additional information:
FACT! ⬇️ Democrats are ALWAYS! On the wrong side of History! 👊
Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and Donald Trump were all arrested by Democrats. pic.twitter.com/lTpXwhSj9a
— ❤️🔥 𝓓𝓪𝓻 ❤️🔥 (@DameScorpio) August 27, 2023
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, founded in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, has been a global destination, resource center, and community institution for over 25 years.
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