Free Printable Martin Luther King Jr. Facts for Kids
Printable Martin Luther King Jr. facts have been a great way for my child to learn about this inspiring leader while having fun.
The coloring activity keeps it creative, while the facts introduce important lessons about equality, peace, and justice.
This resource makes it easy to start meaningful conversations with kids about his life and legacy in a way that’s engaging and age-appropriate.
It’s a perfect blend of learning and creativity for young minds.
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Interesting Martin Luther King Jr facts for kids
Have fun learning all about the late great Martin Luther King Jr with these fun facts:
Martin Luther King Jr. was so bright that he skipped two grades in high school and entered college at just 15 years old.
His famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered in 1963, is one of the most famous speeches in American history. Focusing on his dream of a world where people are judged by their character, not their skin color.
At age 35, King was the youngest man at the time to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Honored for his work in civil rights and peace.
King was arrested nearly 30 times. One of his arrests led to the famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” where he wrote about justice and equality.
He was married to Coretta Scott King and had four children, continuing his legacy of love, peace, and equality.
His birthday, January 15th, is celebrated as a national holiday in the United States, honoring his life and contributions to the world.
There are over 900 streets named after Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States. As well as numerous others around the world. This reflects his global impact and the widespread recognition of his contributions to civil rights and equality.
In 1986, Stevie Wonder released the song “Happy Birthday” to honor King and support the campaign to make his birthday a national holiday.
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Additional facts about MLK
- Unique Middle Name. Originally born as Michael King Jr., his father changed both their names to Martin Luther. In honor of the German Protestant leader Martin Luther.
- A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television. Thanks to his many televised speeches.
- A Voice on the Telephone. In 1957, King’s speeches were recorded and sold as albums. Making him one of the first people to use this method to spread his message.
- A Man of Peace in Times of War. Despite facing constant threats to his life, King always preached and practiced nonviolence, influencing many other social movements worldwide.
- A Beloved Community Visionary. King’s concept of the “Beloved Community” was a global vision in which all people share in the wealth of the earth. Disputes are resolved peacefully, and love and trust triumph over fear and hatred.
- A Distinctive Speaking Style. Known for his distinctive and powerful voice, King’s speaking style was influenced by the black church tradition and the rhetorical styles of preachers.
- Inspiring a Dance. In 1968, singer James Brown released the song “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” Partially inspired by King’s teachings and the civil rights movement.
- A Proponent of Economic Equality. Besides racial equality, King strongly advocated for economic justice and the eradication of poverty. Believing that economic rights were an essential part of civil rights.
- The King Center. After his assassination, Coretta Scott King established The King Center in Atlanta. Dedicated to preserving his legacy and teaching his principles of nonviolence.
Books to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr for kids
Dr. King’s message of equality, love, and peace still inspires us today. These books are a wonderful way to introduce kids to his incredible journey and the legacy he left behind.
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for younger kids. It offers a gentle introduction to Dr. King’s life, making big ideas like equality and justice easy for little ones to understand.
I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World. This collection of Dr. King’s speeches, including the iconic “I Have a Dream,” is a powerful read for older kids and families. It’s a great way to explore his lasting impact on civil rights.
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? This book is a great introduction to Dr. King’s life. The mix of stories and illustrations makes it perfect for kids learning about his impact on history.
More MLK printables
Expand your learning activities with these fun and educational printables:
Martin Luther King word scramble printable. Challenge kids to unscramble words related to Dr. King’s life and legacy. It’s a great way to reinforce key vocabulary while keeping the activity engaging and interactive. Perfect for quiet time or group learning.
Martin Luther King Jr color by number. This creative printable combines art and learning. Kids can color an inspiring image of Dr. King by following the number guide, helping them practice fine motor skills while celebrating his contributions to equality and justice.
Martin Luther King word search. Help kids discover key terms related to Dr. King and his legacy with this engaging word puzzle. It’s a fun way to reinforce vocabulary while encouraging focus and problem-solving skills. Perfect for independent or group activities.
These printables make learning about Martin Luther King Jr. both fun and meaningful for young learners.
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Last Updated on 8 December 2024 by Clare Brown