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Question:

vikvik
vikvik
Student
High School - 9th Grade

Was Martin Luther King Jr. ever President of the United States of America?

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Posted by vikvik on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 9:36 AM and tagged with biography, history, martin luther king jr, president.


Answers:

  1. morrol
    morrol Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Martin Luther King Jr. was not a president. He was a civil rights leader who led marches for freedom, was imprisoned for his beliefs, spoke to the heart of the people, and inspired millions. Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister, a teacher, and a leader. His influence on American society is pervasive. He was assassinated in 1968 while making a speech. He is definitely one of the most influential leaders America has ever had, but he was not President of the United States of America.

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    Posted by morrol on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 9:56 AM


  2. alquan3 Student
    High School - 10th Grade

    Martin Luther King jr was never a president he was termed a Martyr, meanig he died for things that he believed in such as equal rights for all citizens, no matter the race.

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    Posted by alquan3 on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 10:36 AM

  3. mswalczak
    mswalczak Teacher
    Elementary / Primary

    No, Martin Luther King Jr. was not president. However, he will forever be remembered as a person who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. He made a huge difference in the lives of many people.

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    Posted by mswalczak on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 1:23 PM

  4. jennescherer
    jennescherer Teacher
    Middle School

    No, Martin Luther King, Jr. was not ever the President of the United States of America. He was a leader of the Civil Rights movement.

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    Posted by jennescherer on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 3:20 PM

  5. cutter1213
    cutter1213 Teacher
    Elementary / Primary

    No Martin Luther King, Jr was not one of the Presidents of the United States.  King was a civil rights leader during the 1960s and was assassinated for his work in earning equal rights for African Americans.  The first minority president of the United States will be Barack Obama upon his swearing in on January 20, 2009. 

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    Posted by cutter1213 on Sunday November 9, 2008 at 7:02 PM

  6. cateach3
    cateach3 Teacher
    Elementary / Primary

    No, he wasn't.  My students and I have discussed this because he is the only one of 3 individuals who has been given the honor of "national holiday" in his honor. [Washington and Columbus].  In some states presidents birthdays are celebrated- how MLK jr.fits in often confuses students. He did have a HUGE influence on the US- but not in the form of President.

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    Posted by cateach3 on Sunday June 21, 2009 at 3:17 PM