Collection

Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Collection of Rumors About Him Over the Decades

A history in rumor.

Published Jan 20, 2020

MONTGOMERY, AL - MARCH 25:  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking before crowd of 25,000 Selma To Montgomery, Alabama civil rights marchers, in front of Montgomery, Alabama state capital building. On March 25, 1965 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo by Stephen F. Somerstein/Getty Images) ( Stephen F. Somerstein/Getty Images)
Image Via Stephen F. Somerstein/Getty Images

Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, dedicated his life to achieving equality and justice for all Americans. He advocated the notion that a peaceful refusal to obey unjust laws was the best way to combat racism and bring about social change.

During his memorable but too short lifetime, Dr. King pressed the case of civil rights with the White House, touched millions of Americans with his unforgettable "I Have a Dream" speech, and won the Nobel Peace Prize, on his way to leaving behind an ongoing legacy of hope and inspiration.

Despite the true power of his life's work, the memory of the famed civil rights crusader has also inspired many rumors and junk news pieces over the years. Here's our collection of some of them.

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Rumors circulated in April 2021 that U.S. President Joe Biden once said "Dr. King's assassination did not have the worldwide impact that George Floyd's death did."
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When Martin Luther King encouraged me to run for Congress I didn't think much of it. But over time I've realized he was right. And now that I've been elected, I refuse to spit on his grave and resign.
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