As you probably already know, Monday January 18th is a very important day. It is not simply just a day off of school for residents of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, but it honors a very important man in history: Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior was an amazing person, who revolutionized and changed history forever. Here are 3 interesting facts about this man that you may not know!
- His birth name was Michael
When Michael King Junior was 5 years old,his father, Michael King Senior went on a trip to Germany, was inspired by the Protestant Reformation leader, Martin Luther, and changed his name, as well as his son’s name to Martin!
- Dr. King was jailed 29 times in his life!
You may want to rethink what you said about your teenager getting pulled over for speeding! This iconic man was jailed 29 times in his life for civil disobedience, and other exaggerated charges, such as driving 5 miles above the speed limit in 1956.
- King foreshadowed his own death
In his last public speech, King was in Memphis in April of 1968, and gave a speech in support of the city’s black garbage workers. He is quoted as saying, “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life…I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” Dr. King was assassinated the next day.
International Skating & Fun Center of Mt. Laurel is having a $9 Skate and Play special from 12-4pm on Martin Luther King Day in honor of this great man. We hope to see you soon!