The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Quiz

1. Where did King give his famous 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech?

During the March on Washington

At John F. Kennedy's inauguration

During a freedom walk in Detroit

The balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis

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.

Explanation

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.

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?

The University of Georgia

Harvard University

Wheaton College

Morehouse College

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.

Explanation

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.

3. In 1964, King became the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. How old was he?

32

35

39

42

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.

Explanation

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.

4. 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!"

1966

1967

1968

1969

In his last speech, King said, "Like

Explanation

In his last speech, King said, "Like

5. What was King’s legal first name, as incorrectly recorded on his birth certificate?

Michael

Marvin

Martin

Morton

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.

Explanation

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.

6. In what year was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day established as a U.S. federal holiday?

1982

1986

1989

1992

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.

Explanation

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.

7. 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?

The "I Have a Dream" Speech

The "I've Been to the Mountaintop" Speech

Letter From Birmingham City Jail

The "Where Do We Go From Here?" Speech

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.

Explanation

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.