This Monday is an official U.S. holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Martin Luther King was a civil rights leader and preacher, and one of the most important people in American history.

From Simple English Wikipedia:

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) worked hard to make people understand that black people should always be treated equally to white people. He gave speeches and led rallies to encourage African Americans to protest without the need for violence.

One peaceful strategy was for African Americans to have sit-ins. This is where they would sit in a restaurant seat that was supposed to be only for white people. They would politely ask for some food and refuse to leave until someone gave them food. Another strategy that King used was leading boycotts. This is where people would refuse to buy goods or services from people who did not treat white people and black people the same.

Dr. King was born in the Atlanta area on January 15, 1929. He first began to be well-known in 1955 when he led a protest against the way black people were segregated on buses. At that time they had to sit at the back of the bus, separate from white people.

In 1963, a civil rights march in Washington, DC happened that made King even more famous. It was officially called the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was held on August 28, 1963. The final speaker was Martin Luther King, Jr. He made his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech which was heard throughout the world.

Here is Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech:

To read his speech, click here.