Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted by Linda J Bottjer Jan 15, 2007

If you are in the USA - you might be a lucky person with a day off today.

As you are lounging around in your PJ's and twiddling with the TV remote do you know why? Today is the celebration of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Oh yeah, I heard of him." you say turning back to an old rerun of Saved by the Bell. Then you stop and think, "What did he do again?"

Like many great figures in history Dr. King was both controversial and inspirational.

Close to 80 years ago in the Atlanta neighborhood of Sweet Auburn he was born on January 15, 1929. Born into a South, which still believed in segregation, the Ku Klux Klan, lynchings and Jim Crow laws.

Ebenezer Baptist Church was where his father and grandfather preached, and where ML, as he was called, learned to diffuse hatred with love and began to preach himself as a young man.

During his brief life (he was murdered at the age of 39), Dr. King was a founder in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a leader in the Civil Rights movement and a disciple of the non-violent tactics first established by Gandhi. All of which resulted in his becoming the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Visitors to Atlanta can experience the enduring power of his short life by including the National Historic Site, dedicated to Dr. King, in their itinerary.

Within a multi-block complex the past, present and future are presented. Besides the birthplace, go to the Visitor Center where the exhibit “Children of Courage” heralds the efforts of former children and encourages today’s youth. Follow the “Freedom Road” and marvel at the courage it required. Visit the former church and the King Center where Dr. King’s message continues to circle the world.

Dr. King's tomb is joined with his wife's, Coretta Scott King, and is available for public viewing.

While the admission is free – the tours can get filled up quickly. Be sure to allow plenty of time to absorb a unique portion of American history that waits here.

For more info – see www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm

Side note: Welcome to America!. Not all businesses celebrate all the annual national holidays. (Banks , public schools and government offices, both state and federal, are usually closed. Postal service does not occur and many transportation systems run on a Sunday schedule. Be sure to check before you head out)