Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Martin Luther and Alberta King, Martin Luther King Jr. was taught by his parents that he could overcome the humiliation of segregation. His father, who had grown up in poverty, rose to become a prominent Southern preacher. King grew up with racial segregation as a way of life. Blacks and whites had separate schools, hospital waiting rooms, and even drinking fountains. When both were allowed in the same room, lines were drawn on the floor to keep them divided.

Supported by his parents' teachings, King excelled at school, especially in public speaking. After completing high school early, King enrolled in Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1944. At this prestigious school for African American men, he majored in sociology and English and continued to participate in public-speaking contests. He had planned to attend medical or law school...