![Martin Luther was a talented speech giver, seen here standing against a lectern while giving a press conference. Photo by: Trikosko, Marion S./Library of Congress — LC-U9- 11696-9A [P&P]](https://mtsacecachronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/service-pnp-ppmsc-01200-01269v.jpg)
With the recent holiday, here are some facts about Martin Luther King Jr. that might surprise you, including how his national day of recognition came to be.
- King’s father, grandfather, great-grandfather, only brother, and his father’s brother were all preachers.
- King’s birth name was Michael King Jr., but after a trip to Germany, his father changed both of their names after being inspired by the Protestant reformer Martin Luther.
- The FBI targeted King because they thought that he was a communist.
- In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a law officially turning Martin Luther King Jr. Day into a federal holiday following King’s assassination.
- King wrote his famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail” on pieces of paper while he was in jail.
