There are a few major influences that have had a significant impact on King’s history and development. Some of these include: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a major influence on King’s work towards civil rights and social justice. He is perhaps best known for his “I Have a Dream” speech, which helped to galvanize the civil rights movement in the United States. Mahatma Gandhi was another influential figure in King’s life, and his philosophy of non-violence helped to shape the peaceful protests that were so common during the civil rights movement.
Nelson Mandela was a major influence on King’s work towards reconciliation between white South Africans and their black African counterparts. He served 27 years in prison for fighting for human rights, and his leadership during the transition period after apartheid helped to pave the way for peaceful elections and a more inclusive society.