National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, we explore Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy of advocating for equality, including his historic meeting with Malcolm X in 1964. We also spotlight civil rights icon John Lewis and his tribute to Nelson Mandela. Unraveling the global resonance of Dr. King's legacy, streets worldwide bear his name as a universal call for equality. Our journey navigates Alabama's civil rights movement, shedding light on the intricate dance between heritage and progress in the Deep South.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addresses crowds during the March On Washington on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. It was here where he gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CENTRAL PRESS/GETTY

Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

A civil rights legend, Dr. King fought for justice through peaceful protest—and delivered some of the 20th century's most iconic speeches.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X briefly meet after King's press conference at the U.S. Capitol, where the Senate was debating the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It was the first—and only—time the two civil rights legends met.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARION S. TRIKOSKO, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

MLK and Malcolm X only met once. Here’s the story behind an iconic image

The two civil rights leaders came together at the end of their lives. What might have happened had they met earlier?

READ THE STORY BEHIND

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President Barack Obama awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the U.S., to Congressman John Lewis during a 2011 ceremony at the White House.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BROOKS KRAFT, LLC/CORBIS/GETTY

How John Lewis spent his life bridging America’s racial and political divides

The pioneering civil rights leader was a champion of non-violent protest and change, despite the violence he himself suffered.

Martin Luther King Jr. and his fellow Freedom Riders often met to talk strategy over meals. Here they are at a bus station in May of 1961.

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL SCHUTZER, TIME LIFE PICTURES, GETTY

What role did coffee play in the civil rights movement?

A) It was a favorite beverage of Martin Luther King Jr.
B) It was used as a weapon during protests.
C) African American students ordered it to protest segregation.
D) It was served at underground supper clubs.

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

A photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Boulevard in New York, New York

PHOTOGRAPH BY ELIAS WILLIAMS

Where the Streets Have MLK's Name

More than 1,000 roadways worldwide honor Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a reflection of his enduring impact across cultures.

WALK THE STREETS

A composite image of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The left shows marchers starting the second Selma-to-Montgomery march in 1965, while the right shows the bridge in 2014.

PHOTOGRAPH AT LEFT: FLIP SCHULKE, CORBIS/GETTY IMAGES. PHOTOGRAPH AT RIGHT: ART MERIPOL

Take a road trip through Alabama’s civil rights history

National history and family heritage connect on the new U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

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