Video: 'October 14, 1964: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awarded Noble Peace Prize | Today in History'
(Wednesday, October 14, 1964) — The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a towering figure in the civil rights movement, was named today as the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
At 35, King has been honored for his leadership in the fight to end racial segregation and injustice in the United States through non-violent means.
King, who has become a symbol of the struggle for racial equality, was resting in a hospital bed in Atlanta when he learned of the prestigious award. He is said to be “thoroughly exhausted” after an intense schedule of speaking engagements and recent travels across Europe.
The Nobel committee recognized King for his dedication to non-violent resistance, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, as he has led numerous peaceful protests and demonstrations aimed at dismantling racial prejudice.
His most prominent leadership roles include organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
“This is not just an honor for me personally, but for the movement as a whole,” King stated upon receiving the news. “It affirms the effectiveness of non-violence as a tool for social change.”
King’s peaceful approach in the face of violence has not come without personal cost. He has been arrested over 20 times and faced threats to his life, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to justice and equality for African Americans.
King is expected to travel to Oslo, Norway, on December 10 to formally accept the award. The Nobel Peace Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash prize of approximately $54,000, which King has announced will be donated to the civil rights cause.
The award is seen as a monumental recognition of the civil rights movement’s impact both in the United States and around the world, as the struggle for equality continues amidst ongoing protests and legislative battles.
King’s leadership has transformed the fight for civil rights into a global cause, as his efforts resonate far beyond America’s borders. Today’s announcement solidifies his role not only as a leader of African Americans but as a global advocate for peace and human dignity.
The Nobel committee praised King’s “courage and conviction” in the face of adversity and his unwavering belief in the power of non-violence.
With the Nobel Peace Prize, King joins the ranks of former laureates such as Albert Schweitzer, George Marshall, and Dag Hammarskjöld, further elevating the civil rights movement on the world stage.
