Dare to Dream

In some U.S. states, African Americans were treated unfairly. Martin Luther King Jr. fought to change unfair laws. Learn more about King and how he changed our country.

King worked for a better future.

He wanted his children to grow up in a country where all people are treated with respect.

King led marches.

This march was for voting rights. It was from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Many people walked with King.

King was a leader.

He worked with President Lyndon B. Johnson. The president signed × sign RYAN MCVAY—GETTY IMAGES to show agreement by writing your name ( ) Kelly signed a contract she made with her teacher. new laws.

King gave speeches.

His most famous speech is called “I Have a Dream.” He shared his ideas about how all people could live together peacefully.

Did You Know

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C. American leaders are honored there.King is the first African-American leader to have a memorial there.

Think!

What words describe Martin Luther King Jr. and these leaders?

They Did It First

February is Black History Month. Look at the pictures below and read the text to learn about four famous African Americans.

Bessie Coleman

I flew airplanes. I was the first African-American woman to get a pilot’s license.

Jackie Robinson

I was the first African American to play baseball in the modern major leagues. I showed athletes how to play together.

Thurgood Marshall

I was a lawyer. I was the first African American to be named to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mae Jemison

I am a doctor and an astronaut. I was the first African-American woman to go into space.