Final answer:
Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth name was Michael King Jr., changed later to honor the German Protestant leader Martin Luther. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, famously delivering his 'I Have a Dream' speech and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Step-by-step explanation:
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, with the birth name Michael King Jr. He later changed his name in honor of the German Protestant leader Martin Luther, thus becoming the seminal figure known universally as Martin Luther King Jr. This name change signified more than just a renaming; it marked his father's and consequently his own dedication to the principles of the Protestant Reformation and its emphasis on challenging injustices.
King’s leadership in the African American Civil Rights Movement is documented and celebrated for its pivotal role in the profound change towards equality in American society. King’s belief in nonviolence and his ability to mobilize people through inspirational oratory, like his famous "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, made him a central figure of the movement.
Martin Luther King Jr. was not just a figurehead but also a symbol of hope and resilience for many, a fact underscored by him being the youngest person at the time to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his efforts to combat racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.