King was a devout Christian, and his religious beliefs were a major influence on his civil rights activism. He believed that all people were created equal in the eyes of God, and that racial discrimination was a sin. He also drew inspiration from the Bible, which he saw as a call to justice and equality.
Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi was a major influence on King's nonviolent civil disobedience philosophy. Gandhi believed that violence could only lead to more violence, and that the best way to achieve social change was through peaceful resistance. King was inspired by Gandhi's example, and he adopted many of his tactics, such as sit-ins and marches.
Howard Thurman
Thurman was a prominent African-American theologian and educator who had a profound impact on King's thinking. Thurman taught King about the importance of love, forgiveness, and nonviolence. He also encouraged King to use his charisma and speaking skills to inspire others to join the civil rights movement.
Bayard Rustin
Rustin was a close friend and advisor to King. Rustin was a veteran of the civil rights movement, and he played a key role in organizing and strategizing many of King's campaigns. Rustin was also a strong advocate for nonviolence, and he helped King to develop his nonviolent philosophy.
Rosa Parks
Parks was an African-American woman who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. This incident sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for over a year and was a major victory for the civil rights movement. King played a leading role in the boycott, and he was inspired by Parks' courage and determination.
These are just a few of the many influences that shaped Martin Luther King Jr.'s thinking and activism. King was a complex and multifaceted figure, and his ideas were influenced by a wide range of sources. His work continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice, equality, and peace.