Martin Luther King Trivia Facts!
-
How old was King when he won the Nobel Peace Prize?
-
65
-
55
-
45
-
35
-
About This Quiz
Explore key moments and facts about Martin Luther King, Jr. In this trivia quiz. Test your knowledge on his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, his early life, educational background, and pivotal experiences. Ideal for learners interested in civil rights history.
(184).jpg "Martin Luther King Trivia Facts! - Quiz")
Quiz Preview
- 2.
When did Martin Luther King give his "I Have a Dream" speech?
-
1929
-
1955
-
1963
-
1978
Correct Answer
A. 1963Explanation
Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. This iconic speech was delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. In his speech, King passionately advocated for civil rights and equality for African Americans, calling for an end to racism and discrimination. The speech is considered one of the most important speeches in American history and played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Martin Luther King's name was "Michael" when he was born.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Martin Luther King's name was actually Michael when he was born. This indicates that he was given the name Michael at birth, but later changed it to Martin Luther King.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Who was arrested for not giving a seat on a bus to a white passenger?
-
Martin Luther King, Jr.
-
Rosa Parks
-
E.D. Nixon
-
Coretta Scott
Correct Answer
A. Rosa ParksExplanation
Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving a seat on a bus to a white passenger. Her refusal to give up her seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. Parks' act of defiance and subsequent arrest became a symbol of resistance against racial segregation and inspired many others to join the fight for equality.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Did the white students sit next to James Meredith when he went to classes?
-
Yes
-
No
Correct Answer
A. NoExplanation
The white students did not sit next to James Meredith when he went to classes.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
The Montgomery boycott made King famous.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Montgomery boycott refers to the successful year-long bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, led by Martin Luther King Jr. This protest against racial segregation on public transportation brought national attention to King and his nonviolent civil rights activism. The boycott marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement and catapulted King to the forefront of the movement, making him a prominent figure and a symbol of resistance against racial discrimination. Therefore, it is true that the Montgomery boycott made King famous.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Many of King's ideas about protest marches came from Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Gandhi.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because both Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Gandhi were influential figures in the history of protest marches. Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience" inspired nonviolent resistance movements, while Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha emphasized peaceful protests and civil disobedience. King studied and admired the works of both Thoreau and Gandhi, incorporating their ideas into his own activism and leadership during the Civil Rights Movement. Therefore, it is accurate to say that many of King's ideas about protest marches were influenced by Thoreau and Gandhi.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Who became the 35th US president in November 1960?
-
Richard Nixon
-
Martin Luther King, Jr.
-
Bayard Rustin
-
John F. Kennedy
Correct Answer
A. John F. KennedyExplanation
John F. Kennedy became the 35th US president in November 1960. He was elected as the president after winning the presidential election against his opponent Richard Nixon. Kennedy's presidency is known for his charismatic leadership, the establishment of the Peace Corps, the Bay of Pigs invasion, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was assassinated in November 1963, making him one of the most iconic and tragic figures in American history.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Who was the leader of the African-American organization called the Nation of Islam?
-
Martin Luther King, Jr.
-
Malcolm X
-
Stokely Carmichael
-
Rosa Parks
Correct Answer
A. Malcolm XExplanation
Malcolm X was the leader of the African-American organization called the Nation of Islam. He was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and advocated for black nationalism and self-defense. Malcolm X's leadership and teachings played a significant role in empowering and mobilizing African Americans during the struggle for equality and justice. He was known for his strong and uncompromising stance against racial discrimination and his efforts to promote black pride and self-determination.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Jim Crow laws made it so black people and white people were equal and could live in the same part of town.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement is incorrect. Jim Crow laws were a series of state and local laws in the United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against black people. These laws mandated separate public facilities, schools, transportation, and housing for black and white individuals, reinforcing racial inequality and preventing black people from enjoying the same rights and opportunities as white people. Therefore, Jim Crow laws did not make black people and white people equal or allow them to live in the same part of town.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Who attacked a Freedom Rider bus on May 15, 1961?
-
NAACP
-
KKK
-
MIA
-
SCLC
Correct Answer
A. KKKExplanation
The correct answer is KKK. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) attacked a Freedom Rider bus on May 15, 1961. The KKK was a white supremacist organization that used violence and intimidation to oppose civil rights advancements for African Americans. They targeted the Freedom Riders, who were activists riding interstate buses to challenge segregation in the South. The KKK's attack on the bus was a clear example of their violent opposition to the civil rights movement.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
The court was not in a hurry to send the criminals who bombed the church and killed four young school girls to jail.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that the court was not in a rush to send the criminals who committed the act of bombing a church and causing the death of four young school girls to jail. This implies that there might have been delays or other factors preventing swift justice in this case. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates that the court was not quick to take action against the criminals.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
King became angry when a white student pointed a gun at him and shouted.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that the king became angry when a white student pointed a gun at him and shouted. However, there is no information provided in the question that indicates the king's emotional response to the situation. Therefore, we cannot determine whether the statement is true or false based on the given information.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
How old was King when he started studying at Morehouse College?
-
13
-
15
-
18
-
21
Correct Answer
A. 15Explanation
King started studying at Morehouse College when he was 15 years old.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
When was Martin Luther King, Jr. born?
-
1929
-
1934
-
1955
-
1963
Correct Answer
A. 1929Explanation
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in 1929.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
America's worst riot was in Watts in August 1965.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Watts riot in August 1965 is considered one of America's worst riots due to its scale, duration, and impact. It lasted for six days and resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and significant property damage. The riot was sparked by longstanding racial tensions and police brutality in the predominantly African American neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles. The event highlighted the deep-seated social and economic inequalities faced by African Americans and led to significant changes in policies and attitudes towards civil rights and urban development.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
When was King shot and killed?
-
August 16, 1965
-
April 3, 1968
-
April 4, 1968
-
April 9, 1968
Correct Answer
A. April 4, 1968Explanation
On April 4, 1968, King was shot and killed.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
What was the country's most segregated city?
-
Birmingham
-
Atlanta
-
Little Rock
-
New York
Correct Answer
A. BirminghamExplanation
Birmingham is considered the country's most segregated city due to its history of racial tensions and discrimination. During the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Birmingham became a focal point for protests and demonstrations against segregation and racial injustice. The city's police chief, Eugene "Bull" Connor, was known for his harsh treatment of African Americans and his use of violence to suppress civil rights activists. Birmingham's history of segregation and racial inequality has earned it the reputation as one of the most divided cities in the United States.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
When was King's daughter Yolanda born?
-
June 18, 1953
-
November 2, 1955
-
November 17, 1955
-
March 28, 1963
Correct Answer
A. November 17, 1955Explanation
Yolanda, King's daughter, was born on November 17, 1955.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Who offered to help get King out of prison in October of 1960?
-
Judge Mitchell
-
President Eisenhower
-
John F. Kennedy
-
Richard Nixon
Correct Answer
A. John F. KennedyExplanation
In October of 1960, John F. Kennedy offered to help get King out of prison. This indicates that Kennedy, who was a prominent political figure at the time, expressed his willingness to assist in securing King's release from prison.Rate this question:
-
- 21.
When did slavery end in the United States?
-
1620
-
1865
-
1807
-
1965
Correct Answer
A. 1865Explanation
Slavery ended in the United States in 1865. This is the year when the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude. The amendment was passed after the American Civil War, which was fought, in part, to end slavery. Therefore, 1865 is the correct answer.Rate this question:
-
- 22.
Where was Coretta Scott from?
-
Alabama
-
Georgia
-
Mississippi
-
Michigan
Correct Answer
A. AlabamaExplanation
Coretta Scott was from Alabama. This is evident from the fact that Alabama is listed as the correct answer.Rate this question:
-
- 23.
What did King love when he was in school?
-
Sports
-
Language
-
Reading books
-
A, b, and c
Correct Answer
A. A, b, and cExplanation
The king loved sports, language, and reading books when he was in school. This suggests that he had a diverse range of interests and enjoyed participating in physical activities, learning different languages, and immersing himself in literature.Rate this question:
-
- 24.
Why were the white politicians and bus companies angry about the bus boycott?
-
Too many black people were riding the bus.
-
White people had to stand on the bus.
-
The buses were too old.
-
They were losing money.
Correct Answer
A. They were losing money.Explanation
The white politicians and bus companies were angry about the bus boycott because they were losing money. The boycott, led by black activists such as Rosa Parks, aimed to protest against racial segregation on public buses. As a result, many black people stopped riding the buses, leading to a significant decrease in revenue for the bus companies. This financial impact angered the white politicians and bus companies, as it directly affected their profits.Rate this question:
-
- 25.
When did President Johnson ask his government to pass the new Voting Rights law?
-
March 15, 1965
-
March 5, 1965
-
February 9, 1965
-
January 25, 1965
Correct Answer
A. March 15, 1965Explanation
President Johnson asked his government to pass the new Voting Rights law on March 15, 1965.Rate this question:
-
- 26.
What did Daddy King give Martin when he went away to college?
-
A gun
-
Books
-
A used car
-
A suit
Correct Answer
A. A used carExplanation
Daddy King gave Martin a used car when he went away to college. This would have been a practical and thoughtful gift, as it would have provided Martin with transportation to navigate his new surroundings and attend classes. A car would have also given him the freedom and independence to explore his new environment and engage in extracurricular activities. Overall, this gift would have been a valuable asset for Martin as he embarked on his college journey.Rate this question:
-
- 27.
What did King become the president of in December 1955?
-
NAACP
-
Black Soldiers Organization
-
AARP
-
MIA
Correct Answer
A. MIAExplanation
In December 1955, King became the president of MIA (Montgomery Improvement Association). The MIA was a civil rights organization formed in response to the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. The MIA organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a successful protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama. King's leadership in the MIA and the boycott marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement, establishing him as a prominent figure and leader in the fight for racial equality.Rate this question:
-
- 28.
Who stood next to President Johnson as he signed the new Voting Rights law?
-
King and Abernathy
-
King and JFK
-
King and Rosa Parks
-
King and George Wallace
Correct Answer
A. King and Rosa ParksExplanation
The correct answer is King and Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks was a prominent civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. She was a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and they both worked together to fight for racial equality. As President Johnson signed the new Voting Rights law, it is likely that King and Rosa Parks stood next to him as a symbol of their dedication to the cause.Rate this question:
-
- 29.
When did the US government pass a new law that made segregation on buses in all states illegal?
-
February 1956
-
April 1956
-
November 1956
-
December 1956
Correct Answer
A. November 1956Explanation
In November 1956, the US government passed a new law that made segregation on buses in all states illegal. This law was a significant milestone in the civil rights movement, as it aimed to end the practice of racial segregation on public transportation. By making it illegal, the government took a step towards promoting equality and ensuring that all citizens had the right to equal access to public facilities, regardless of their race.Rate this question:
-
- 30.
Who almost killed King when he was signing his first book?
-
Two policemen
-
A black woman
-
A black man
-
A white man
Correct Answer
A. A black womanExplanation
The correct answer is A black woman. This suggests that a black woman almost killed King when he was signing his first book. The explanation behind this answer is not provided, but it implies that there was an incident involving a black woman that posed a threat to King's life during his book signing.Rate this question:
-
- 31.
How many African-American children were arrested for marching in a protest on May 2, 1963?
-
2,500
-
1,000
-
600
-
250
Correct Answer
A. 600Explanation
In the context of the question, the correct answer of 600 suggests that 600 African-American children were arrested for participating in a protest on May 2, 1963. This indicates a significant number of arrests and highlights the racial tensions and discrimination faced by African-Americans during that time period.Rate this question:
-
- 32.
King's photo was on the cover of "Time Magazine" on September 4, 1958.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because Martin Luther King Jr.'s photo was not on the cover of "Time Magazine" on September 4, 1958.Rate this question:
-
- 33.
100 "Freedom Trains" brought marchers from all over the country to "The March on Washington".
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because it states that "100 'Freedom Trains' brought marchers from all over the country to 'The March on Washington'." However, there is no historical evidence or record of 100 separate "Freedom Trains" bringing marchers to the event. The March on Washington in 1963 was a significant civil rights demonstration, but the transportation of participants was not organized in such a manner. Therefore, the given statement is incorrect.Rate this question:
-
- 34.
Who did King and Abernathy talk to when they went to Washington?
-
Richard Nixon
-
President Eisenhower
-
John F. Kennedy
-
Bayard Rustin
Correct Answer
A. Richard NixonExplanation
King and Abernathy talked to Richard Nixon when they went to Washington.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Nov 16, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Nov 16, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Aug 02, 2013Quiz Created by
BookNookGRR
Back to top