Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was, quite simply, the most popular and effective leader of the African American struggle for civil rights. His philosophy of non-violent direct-action galvanized thousands of Americans, both black and white, to press for the full measure of human and political rights for African-Americans. Although he was not personally responsible for mobilizing protest, he was certainly one of the greatest organizers of people the world has ever seen. Today, a national holiday is named in his honor and numerous highways, streets, schools, playgrounds, and public buildings display his name.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

For a man who would capture the attention of both his country and the world, King's life seemed like a fairy tale. Born into Atlanta's black upper class in the midst of the depression, King felt very few effects of the economic crisis...