Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the 1959 Spingarn Medal and the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights leader, was born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His contributions to the world are unparallel in modern times. Under his charismatic leadership, more social change was realized in thirteen active years (1955-1968) than had been achieved in an entire century. In 1963, Dr. King led the famous march on Washington, where he delivered the legendary "I Have A Dream" speech, which will be long remembered as one of the most eloquent expressions of human aspiration. Five years later, April 4, 1968, King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. On November 2, 1983, Dr. King's birthday was designated a national holiday for all Americans. The designation of a national holiday is an honor of rare solemnity previously granted to only one other American, George Washington. The commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday honors not only a truly noble American, but the ideals for which he lived and died: Equality, Peace and Justice for all, and the building of the cherished "Beloved Community." Dr. George B. Jackson (c) 1988