Who were Martin Luther King’s parents?
Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. His parents, Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King, played a significant role in shaping his values and beliefs that would later influence the course of history. Understanding the background of his parents provides insight into the nurturing environment that contributed to the development of one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.
Martin Luther King Sr., born Michael King, was a reverend and social activist in his own right. He was born on September 11, 1899, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Jennie and Andrew King. Martin Sr. attended Morehouse College, where he graduated with a degree in sociology. He then pursued his passion for the ministry and attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he met his future wife, Alberta Williams.
Alberta Williams King was born on October 13, 1897, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Williams, who were both educators. Alberta attended Fisk University, where she majored in music. After completing her studies, she became a teacher and later worked as a school principal in rural Georgia. It was during her time as a school principal that she met Martin Luther King Sr.
The couple married in 1925 and moved to Atlanta, where Martin Luther King Sr. began his career as a pastor at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Alberta played a crucial role in supporting her husband’s ministry and raising their children. She was a strong advocate for education and social justice, instilling these values in her children from a young age.
Martin Luther King Jr. was the second of three children born to Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. His older sister, Willie Christine King, was born in 1927, and his younger brother, Albert William King, was born in 1934. The family lived in the shadow of the segregationist policies of the South, which they witnessed firsthand.
Both Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King were firm believers in the power of nonviolent protest and the importance of education. They instilled these principles in their children, who would carry them forward to lead the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. would go on to become a leader in the fight against racial segregation and inequality, inspired by the values and example set by his parents.
