Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was a Baptist minister and a leader of the African American Civil Rights Movement. This article shares key details about Dr. King's life and accomplishments, including his belief in equality and non-violence.

As you read, take notes on the problems that African Americans faced during the 1950s and 60s, and the strategies that Dr. King used to create social change.

The 2008 U.S. presidential election was a historic one. After Republican President George W. Bush served his two terms in office, the Republican party nominated John McCain and the Democratic party nominated Barack Obama.