The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Quiz
Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement and an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world. He strongly believed in realizing social change through the use of nonviolent methods. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday on January 15. Many cities and countries around the world observe the holiday to honor Read morehis memory.
- 1.
What was King’s legal first name, as incorrectly recorded on his birth certificate?
- A.
Michael
- B.
Marvin
- C.
Martin
- D.
Morton
Correct Answer
A. MichaelExplanation
The correct answer is Michael because it was incorrectly recorded on King's birth certificate. This suggests that King's legal first name was mistakenly written as Michael instead of his actual legal first name.Rate this question:
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- 2.
King was a precocious student and demonstrated a keen intellect at a very young age. He skipped both the ninth and the twelfth grade and entered what college at age fifteen without formally graduating from high school?
- A.
The University of Georgia
- B.
Harvard University
- C.
Wheaton College
- D.
Morehouse College
Correct Answer
D. Morehouse CollegeExplanation
King skipped both the ninth and twelfth grade and entered Morehouse College at age fifteen without formally graduating from high school. This suggests that Morehouse College accepted King based on his exceptional academic abilities and recognized his potential as a young student with a keen intellect.Rate this question:
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- 3.
At what famous 1939 movie premiere did King and his church choir sing?
- A.
The Wizard of Oz
- B.
Gone with the Wind
- C.
The Grapes of Wrath
- D.
A Raisin in the Sun
Correct Answer
B. Gone with the WindExplanation
At the famous 1939 movie premiere of "Gone with the Wind," King and his church choir sang.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In 1963, King was arrested and jailed during anti-segregation protests in Birmingham, Alabama. What famous piece of work did he write during that time?
- A.
The "I Have a Dream" Speech
- B.
The "I've Been to the Mountaintop" Speech
- C.
Letter From Birmingham City Jail
- D.
The "Where Do We Go From Here?" Speech
Correct Answer
C. Letter From Birmingham City JailExplanation
During his time in jail in Birmingham, Alabama, King wrote the famous "Letter From Birmingham City Jail." This letter was a response to a statement by eight white clergymen criticizing the civil rights protests and calling for an end to demonstrations. In the letter, King defended the nonviolent protests and explained the urgency and necessity of the civil rights movement. The letter became an important document in the fight for civil rights and is considered one of King's most influential writings.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In 1964, King became the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. How old was he?
- A.
32
- B.
35
- C.
39
- D.
42
Correct Answer
B. 35Explanation
In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. became the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This indicates that he received the prize at a relatively young age. The correct answer is 35, which means that King was 35 years old when he received the Nobel Peace Prize.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Where did King give his famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech?
- A.
During the March on Washington
- B.
At John F. Kennedy's inauguration
- C.
During a freedom walk in Detroit
- D.
The balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis
Correct Answer
A. During the March on WashingtonExplanation
King gave his famous 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington. This event took place on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was a peaceful protest organized to advocate for civil rights and equality for African Americans. King delivered his iconic speech in front of a crowd of approximately 250,000 people, where he passionately spoke about his dream of a future where racial discrimination would be eradicated.Rate this question:
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- 7.
King received a Ph.D in Theology from what educational institution?
- A.
Harvard University
- B.
Morehouse College
- C.
The University of Georgia
- D.
Boston University
Correct Answer
D. Boston UniversityExplanation
King received a Ph.D in Theology from Boston University.Rate this question:
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- 8.
From 1957 until his death in 1968, how many books did King author?
- A.
4
- B.
5
- C.
6
- D.
7
Correct Answer
B. 5Explanation
From 1957 until his death in 1968, King authored a total of 5 books.Rate this question:
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- 9.
King is one of ten 20th Century martyrs to have a statue where?
- A.
St. Peter's Basilica
- B.
Notre Dame Cathedral
- C.
Westminster Abbey
- D.
The Smithsonian
Correct Answer
C. Westminster AbbeyExplanation
Westminster Abbey is the correct answer because it is one of the ten 20th Century martyrs to have a statue there.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In what year was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day established as a U.S. federal holiday?
- A.
1982
- B.
1986
- C.
1989
- D.
1992
Correct Answer
B. 1986Explanation
In 1986, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. federal holiday. This holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year to honor the birthday and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a prominent civil rights leader in the United States. The establishment of this holiday recognizes his contributions to the civil rights movement and his advocacy for equality and justice.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In what year, during his last speech, did King say the following? "Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And 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!"
- A.
1966
- B.
1967
- C.
1968
- D.
1969
Correct Answer
C. 1968Explanation
In his last speech, King said, "LikeRate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 10, 2012Quiz Created by
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