Observer

Courageous, honorable, and noble, are just a few words that describe one of the most influential civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On January 16, the U.S. observes the national holiday that commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. King.

Dr. King was born in Atlanta, Georgia; the son of a pastor and also the grandson of a pastor. He was ordained reverend of a Baptist church in Montgomery, Alabama in 1954. He used the church to voice his opinions of racial equality. With the support of others, he led many black boycotts. In 1956, Dr. King gained a major victory and the status of a civil-rights leader. Because of his plans to boycott Montgomery buses began to operate on a desegregated basis.

Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolent refusal, led to his arrest on several occasions in the 1950s and 60s. His campaigns were very successful, but the most prosperous

protest was in 1963 and it brought him global attention. He led the August 1963, March on Washington, which united over 200,000 people. It was there he gave his most famous speech, "I Have a Dream." At the age of 35, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; he was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over $54,123 to the advancement of the Civil Rights Movement.

On April 4, 1968, he was shot and killed as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. No doubt, his killer believed that this would put an end to Dr. King's dreams of racial equality, but little did he know, he helped this dream progress into a reality. "If physical death is the price I must pay, then nothing can be more redemptive."

Dr. King's determination and dedication, alongside many others, resulted in the world in which we live today. This great country went from widespread segregation to a free and integrated country. If Dr. King were alive today, there is no doubt, that he