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In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, the Black Student Union seeks to shed light on the common misconceptions and lesser-known truths about who MLK truly was. Contrary to the sanitized version often portrayed today, King was once one of the most disliked figures in the country. He said and did things that were unpopular, yet his courage and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers helped pave the way for a more just and equal society for African Americans.
While there is still much work to be done, it is crucial to reflect on how far we’ve come and to honor the trailblazers, like King, who fought for the progress we benefit from today.
MLK is much more than just the “I Have a Dream” speech. Check below to explore some of his other famous quotes, lesser-known facts, resources to learn more about his life and legacy, and ways to support the Black community—just as MLK would have wanted!
This is an original artwork by BSU's very own Jenesis Brown
BCIT BSU Presents: A Week of Fun Facts You Never Knew About MLK!
Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. was just 15 years old when he started college at Morehouse? He was so gifted that he skipped grades nine through eleven!
Before his tragic assassination, another attempt was made on King's life in 1958 when a woman stabbed him in the chest. After hours of emergency surgery, MLK miraculously survived. He later forgave the woman, citing both his Christian faith and her mental illness.
Here’s another surprising fact: MLK’s birth name was actually Michael. His father, inspired by the German Protestant reformer Martin Luther, changed both his own name and his son's when MLK was about five years old.
Most people don’t know that MLK also influenced pop culture. Actress Nichelle Nichols, who played the groundbreaking role of Uhura on the original Star Trek, was encouraged by King himself to continue in the role. Her presence broke racial stereotypes on television and inspired future stars like Whoopi Goldberg and astronauts like Ronald McNair.
Finally, MLK was the youngest male to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize, at just 35 years old! What’s even more remarkable is that he donated all his prize money—equivalent to about $400,000 today—to the Civil Rights Movement.
Now that’s a true King! Let MLK's legacy continue to inspire all of us!
King In the Wilderness (2018)
A portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. during the last years of his life, from his part in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to his assassination in 1968. Click the video to the left to watch the complete film!
Hope & Fury: MLK, The Movement and The Media | NBC News
Hope & Fury: MLK, The Movement and The Media | NBC News
"Hope & Fury: MLK, The Movement and The Media" is a gripping account of American history told like never before by an all-star lineup of civil rights leaders, pioneering African-American reporters who chronicled the movement, and journalists from across generations, as well as present-day activists who have adopted the tactics of their forbearers to shine a light on inequality in the modern era
Click the fist to learn more about how YOU can make a difference in big and small ways for the black community today! The linktree will take you directly to petitions, video resources, relevant sites, organizations, and more!
To see more uncommon quotes and access links to partake in MLK Day action items, click this link!
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