Martin Luther King Trivia Facts!

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  • 1/34 Questions

    How old was King when he won the Nobel Peace Prize?

    • 65
    • 55
    • 45
    • 35
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About This Quiz

Explore key moments and facts about Martin Luther King, Jr. In this trivia quiz. Test your knowledge on his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, his early life, educational background, and pivotal experiences. Ideal for learners interested in civil rights history.

Martin Luther King Trivia Facts! - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    When did Martin Luther King give his "I Have a Dream" speech?

    • 1929

    • 1955

    • 1963

    • 1978

    Correct Answer
    A. 1963
    Explanation
    Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. This iconic speech was delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. In his speech, King passionately advocated for civil rights and equality for African Americans, calling for an end to racism and discrimination. The speech is considered one of the most important speeches in American history and played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.

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  • 3. 

    Who was arrested for not giving a seat on a bus to a white passenger?

    • Martin Luther King, Jr.

    • Rosa Parks

    • E.D. Nixon

    • Coretta Scott

    Correct Answer
    A. Rosa Parks
    Explanation
    Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving a seat on a bus to a white passenger. Her refusal to give up her seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. Parks' act of defiance and subsequent arrest became a symbol of resistance against racial segregation and inspired many others to join the fight for equality.

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  • 4. 

    Did the white students sit next to James Meredith when he went to classes?

    • Yes

    • No

    Correct Answer
    A. No
    Explanation
    The white students did not sit next to James Meredith when he went to classes.

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  • 5. 

    Martin Luther King's name was "Michael" when he was born.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Martin Luther King's name was actually Michael when he was born. This indicates that he was given the name Michael at birth, but later changed it to Martin Luther King.

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  • 6. 

    The Montgomery boycott made King famous.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The Montgomery boycott refers to the successful year-long bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, led by Martin Luther King Jr. This protest against racial segregation on public transportation brought national attention to King and his nonviolent civil rights activism. The boycott marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement and catapulted King to the forefront of the movement, making him a prominent figure and a symbol of resistance against racial discrimination. Therefore, it is true that the Montgomery boycott made King famous.

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  • 7. 

    Many of King's ideas about protest marches came from Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Gandhi.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because both Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Gandhi were influential figures in the history of protest marches. Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience" inspired nonviolent resistance movements, while Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha emphasized peaceful protests and civil disobedience. King studied and admired the works of both Thoreau and Gandhi, incorporating their ideas into his own activism and leadership during the Civil Rights Movement. Therefore, it is accurate to say that many of King's ideas about protest marches were influenced by Thoreau and Gandhi.

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  • 8. 

    Who became the 35th US president in November 1960?

    • Richard Nixon

    • Martin Luther King, Jr.

    • Bayard Rustin

    • John F. Kennedy

    Correct Answer
    A. John F. Kennedy
    Explanation
    John F. Kennedy became the 35th US president in November 1960. He was elected as the president after winning the presidential election against his opponent Richard Nixon. Kennedy's presidency is known for his charismatic leadership, the establishment of the Peace Corps, the Bay of Pigs invasion, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was assassinated in November 1963, making him one of the most iconic and tragic figures in American history.

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  • 9. 

    Who was the leader of the African-American organization called the Nation of Islam?

    • Martin Luther King, Jr.

    • Malcolm X

    • Stokely Carmichael

    • Rosa Parks

    Correct Answer
    A. Malcolm X
    Explanation
    Malcolm X was the leader of the African-American organization called the Nation of Islam. He was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and advocated for black nationalism and self-defense. Malcolm X's leadership and teachings played a significant role in empowering and mobilizing African Americans during the struggle for equality and justice. He was known for his strong and uncompromising stance against racial discrimination and his efforts to promote black pride and self-determination.

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  • 10. 

    Who attacked a Freedom Rider bus on May 15, 1961?

    • NAACP

    • KKK

    • MIA

    • SCLC

    Correct Answer
    A. KKK
    Explanation
    The correct answer is KKK. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) attacked a Freedom Rider bus on May 15, 1961. The KKK was a white supremacist organization that used violence and intimidation to oppose civil rights advancements for African Americans. They targeted the Freedom Riders, who were activists riding interstate buses to challenge segregation in the South. The KKK's attack on the bus was a clear example of their violent opposition to the civil rights movement.

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  • 11. 

    The court was not in a hurry to send the criminals who bombed the church and killed four young school girls to jail.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that the court was not in a rush to send the criminals who committed the act of bombing a church and causing the death of four young school girls to jail. This implies that there might have been delays or other factors preventing swift justice in this case. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates that the court was not quick to take action against the criminals.

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  • 12. 

    King became angry when a white student pointed a gun at him and shouted.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that the king became angry when a white student pointed a gun at him and shouted. However, there is no information provided in the question that indicates the king's emotional response to the situation. Therefore, we cannot determine whether the statement is true or false based on the given information.

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  • 13. 

    Jim Crow laws made it so black people and white people were equal and could live in the same part of town.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is incorrect. Jim Crow laws were a series of state and local laws in the United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against black people. These laws mandated separate public facilities, schools, transportation, and housing for black and white individuals, reinforcing racial inequality and preventing black people from enjoying the same rights and opportunities as white people. Therefore, Jim Crow laws did not make black people and white people equal or allow them to live in the same part of town.

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  • 14. 

    How old was King when he started studying at Morehouse College?

    • 13

    • 15

    • 18

    • 21

    Correct Answer
    A. 15
    Explanation
    King started studying at Morehouse College when he was 15 years old.

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  • 15. 

    When was Martin Luther King, Jr. born?

    • 1929

    • 1934

    • 1955

    • 1963

    Correct Answer
    A. 1929
    Explanation
    Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in 1929.

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  • 16. 

    America's worst riot was in Watts in August 1965.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The Watts riot in August 1965 is considered one of America's worst riots due to its scale, duration, and impact. It lasted for six days and resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and significant property damage. The riot was sparked by longstanding racial tensions and police brutality in the predominantly African American neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles. The event highlighted the deep-seated social and economic inequalities faced by African Americans and led to significant changes in policies and attitudes towards civil rights and urban development.

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  • 17. 

    Who offered to help get King out of prison in October of 1960?

    • Judge Mitchell

    • President Eisenhower

    • John F. Kennedy

    • Richard Nixon

    Correct Answer
    A. John F. Kennedy
    Explanation
    In October of 1960, John F. Kennedy offered to help get King out of prison. This indicates that Kennedy, who was a prominent political figure at the time, expressed his willingness to assist in securing King's release from prison.

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  • 18. 

    What was the country's most segregated city?

    • Birmingham

    • Atlanta

    • Little Rock

    • New York

    Correct Answer
    A. Birmingham
    Explanation
    Birmingham is considered the country's most segregated city due to its history of racial tensions and discrimination. During the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Birmingham became a focal point for protests and demonstrations against segregation and racial injustice. The city's police chief, Eugene "Bull" Connor, was known for his harsh treatment of African Americans and his use of violence to suppress civil rights activists. Birmingham's history of segregation and racial inequality has earned it the reputation as one of the most divided cities in the United States.

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  • 19. 

    When was King shot and killed?

    • August 16, 1965

    • April 3, 1968

    • April 4, 1968

    • April 9, 1968

    Correct Answer
    A. April 4, 1968
    Explanation
    On April 4, 1968, King was shot and killed.

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  • 20. 

    When was King's daughter Yolanda born?

    • June 18, 1953

    • November 2, 1955

    • November 17, 1955

    • March 28, 1963

    Correct Answer
    A. November 17, 1955
    Explanation
    Yolanda, King's daughter, was born on November 17, 1955.

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  • 21. 

    When did slavery end in the United States?

    • 1620

    • 1865

    • 1807

    • 1965

    Correct Answer
    A. 1865
    Explanation
    Slavery ended in the United States in 1865. This is the year when the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude. The amendment was passed after the American Civil War, which was fought, in part, to end slavery. Therefore, 1865 is the correct answer.

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  • 22. 

    What did King love when he was in school?

    • Sports

    • Language

    • Reading books

    • A, b, and c

    Correct Answer
    A. A, b, and c
    Explanation
    The king loved sports, language, and reading books when he was in school. This suggests that he had a diverse range of interests and enjoyed participating in physical activities, learning different languages, and immersing himself in literature.

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  • 23. 

    Where was Coretta Scott from?

    • Alabama

    • Georgia

    • Mississippi

    • Michigan

    Correct Answer
    A. Alabama
    Explanation
    Coretta Scott was from Alabama. This is evident from the fact that Alabama is listed as the correct answer.

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  • 24. 

    Why were the white politicians and bus companies angry about the bus boycott?

    • Too many black people were riding the bus.

    • White people had to stand on the bus.

    • The buses were too old.

    • They were losing money.

    Correct Answer
    A. They were losing money.
    Explanation
    The white politicians and bus companies were angry about the bus boycott because they were losing money. The boycott, led by black activists such as Rosa Parks, aimed to protest against racial segregation on public buses. As a result, many black people stopped riding the buses, leading to a significant decrease in revenue for the bus companies. This financial impact angered the white politicians and bus companies, as it directly affected their profits.

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  • 25. 

    When did President Johnson ask his government to pass the new Voting Rights law?

    • March 15, 1965

    • March 5, 1965

    • February 9, 1965

    • January 25, 1965

    Correct Answer
    A. March 15, 1965
    Explanation
    President Johnson asked his government to pass the new Voting Rights law on March 15, 1965.

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  • 26. 

    What did Daddy King give Martin when he went away to college?

    • A gun

    • Books

    • A used car

    • A suit

    Correct Answer
    A. A used car
    Explanation
    Daddy King gave Martin a used car when he went away to college. This would have been a practical and thoughtful gift, as it would have provided Martin with transportation to navigate his new surroundings and attend classes. A car would have also given him the freedom and independence to explore his new environment and engage in extracurricular activities. Overall, this gift would have been a valuable asset for Martin as he embarked on his college journey.

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  • 27. 

    Who stood next to President Johnson as he signed the new Voting Rights law?

    • King and Abernathy

    • King and JFK

    • King and Rosa Parks

    • King and George Wallace

    Correct Answer
    A. King and Rosa Parks
    Explanation
    The correct answer is King and Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks was a prominent civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. She was a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and they both worked together to fight for racial equality. As President Johnson signed the new Voting Rights law, it is likely that King and Rosa Parks stood next to him as a symbol of their dedication to the cause.

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  • 28. 

    What did King become the president of in December 1955?

    • NAACP

    • Black Soldiers Organization

    • AARP

    • MIA

    Correct Answer
    A. MIA
    Explanation
    In December 1955, King became the president of MIA (Montgomery Improvement Association). The MIA was a civil rights organization formed in response to the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. The MIA organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a successful protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama. King's leadership in the MIA and the boycott marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement, establishing him as a prominent figure and leader in the fight for racial equality.

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  • 29. 

    When did the US government pass a new law that made segregation on buses in all states illegal?

    • February 1956

    • April 1956

    • November 1956

    • December 1956

    Correct Answer
    A. November 1956
    Explanation
    In November 1956, the US government passed a new law that made segregation on buses in all states illegal. This law was a significant milestone in the civil rights movement, as it aimed to end the practice of racial segregation on public transportation. By making it illegal, the government took a step towards promoting equality and ensuring that all citizens had the right to equal access to public facilities, regardless of their race.

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  • 30. 

    Who almost killed King when he was signing his first book?

    • Two policemen

    • A black woman

    • A black man

    • A white man

    Correct Answer
    A. A black woman
    Explanation
    The correct answer is A black woman. This suggests that a black woman almost killed King when he was signing his first book. The explanation behind this answer is not provided, but it implies that there was an incident involving a black woman that posed a threat to King's life during his book signing.

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  • 31. 

    How many African-American children were arrested for marching in a protest on May 2, 1963?

    • 2,500

    • 1,000

    • 600

    • 250

    Correct Answer
    A. 600
    Explanation
    In the context of the question, the correct answer of 600 suggests that 600 African-American children were arrested for participating in a protest on May 2, 1963. This indicates a significant number of arrests and highlights the racial tensions and discrimination faced by African-Americans during that time period.

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  • 32. 

    King's photo was on the cover of "Time Magazine" on September 4, 1958.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because Martin Luther King Jr.'s photo was not on the cover of "Time Magazine" on September 4, 1958.

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  • 33. 

    100 "Freedom Trains" brought marchers from all over the country to "The March on Washington".

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because it states that "100 'Freedom Trains' brought marchers from all over the country to 'The March on Washington'." However, there is no historical evidence or record of 100 separate "Freedom Trains" bringing marchers to the event. The March on Washington in 1963 was a significant civil rights demonstration, but the transportation of participants was not organized in such a manner. Therefore, the given statement is incorrect.

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  • 34. 

    Who did King and Abernathy talk to when they went to Washington?

    • Richard Nixon

    • President Eisenhower

    • John F. Kennedy

    • Bayard Rustin

    Correct Answer
    A. Richard Nixon
    Explanation
    King and Abernathy talked to Richard Nixon when they went to Washington.

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  • Current Version
  • Nov 16, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 02, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    BookNookGRR
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