5 interesting facts about Martin Luther King Jr.

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Twitter
Geese fly over the the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington on August 20, 2013. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I have a Dream' speech on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Geese fly over the the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington on August 20, 2013. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. | Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

Monday marks the annual federal holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, created in remembrance of the notable African American pastor and civil rights activist.

Originally declared an official holiday in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, the day often involves school closures, retail store sales, and groups and churches doing community service projects.

It is also a time to remember the civil rights figure known for leading marches and delivering charismatic speeches in favor of racial equality and other issues.

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The following pages highlight five lesser-known facts about King's life.

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