Martin Luther King jr. he was one of the most influential people of the 20th century. He is the father of the modern civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom and peace. King practiced everything he preached, he did not preach or express values ​​that he himself did not follow. He established himself as a pastor who was not afraid of hard work, leading the middle-class congregation into public service. For example, Peake, Thomas R. author of "Martin Luther King, Jr." states, "He encouraged his parishioners to help those in need and to be active in organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)." I think King's motivation in wanting to help people originated from his father's guidance as a child King was devoted to the nonviolent method, encouraged by both of his parents throughout his upbringing, King's influence was so vast that l America as a whole recognizes its birthday as a national holiday, as well as a celebration of its influences. a national monument built in his honor. According to the "Martin Luther King Jr. Timeline", Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, the second and eldest son of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr., a Baptist minister, and Alberta Williams King. His birth name was Michael Luther King, Jr., but King's father changed both his and his son's (Martin) names to honor King, Jr.'s grandfather's death in 1933. King was a keen student brilliant who progressed rapidly by skipping two grades (9th and 11th) at Booker T. Washington High School and attended Morehouse College at the age of fifteen in 1944. Furthermore, many people are not...middle of the paper.. African American Literature, Revised Edition (2008): 1-3. Literary reference center. Network. December 1, 2013. Peake, Thomas R. “The Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.” Masterplots II: African American Literature, revised edition (2008): 1-4. Literary reference center. Network. October 23, 2013. Rafalowski, Tony. "Hellhound on his trail." Magill's Literary Annual 2011 (2011): 1-3. Literary reference center. Network. December 1, 2013. Roth, John K. “The Power of Love.” Masterplots II: Christian Literature (2007): 1-3. Literary reference center. Network. December 1st. 2013.