Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an influential American civil rights leader born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality and justice through nonviolent protest. His leadership helped to end legal segregation and promote civil rights for African Americans. King is famous for his powerful speeches, including the iconic "I Have a Dream," delivered during the March on Washington in 1963. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his efforts to combat racial injustice. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, but his legacy continues to inspire movements for equality worldwide.