Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, dedicated his life to advocating for racial harmony and the realization of the American dream for all.

As the U.S. comes together to celebrate his life and legacy on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, TIME has compiled a number of lesser-known facts about the man whose unwavering commitment to justice and equality shaped the course of American history.

Here are some surprising facts about Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made history as the first Black person to be named TIME Man of the Year.

In 1963, TIME magazine honored Martin Luther King Jr. as their “Man of the Year,” making him the first Black person to receive this recognition. TIME praised King for his exceptional empathy, describing him as a leader who inspired hope and fought against injustice.

King later highlighted that the acknowledgment wasn’t just about him but also celebrated the entire civil rights movement. He also appreciated TIME for featuring a Black person on its cover, acknowledging the significance of representation in the media.

During Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963

During Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, he improvised part of the speech. In response to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson shouting, “Tell them about the dream, Martin!” King departed from his prepared remarks. He shared his vision of a future where people would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin. This spontaneous addition included the now-famous lines about having a dream that his four little children would live in a nation where they would not be judged by their skin color but by their character. This impromptu and powerful moment has become one of the most memorable parts of King’s historic speech.

Martin Luther King Jr. experienced an assassination attempt about a decade before his death.

Around ten years before Martin Luther King Jr. passed away, there was an attempt on his life. While signing books in Harlem, a woman named Izola Ware Curry attacked him with a letter opener. The blade nearly reached his heart, and doctors said he could have died even if he sneezed. Despite this, King didn’t hold any anger towards the woman and didn’t want charges pressed. She was sent to a mental hospital and passed away in 2015.

Martin Luther King Jr. is the only non-President in the United States whose birthday is recognized as a national holiday.

After Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, there was a desire to have a special day to honor him, just four days later. However, it took a long time to make it happen. Over 15 years, some politicians, led by Rep. John Conyers and Rep. Shirley A. Chisholm, worked hard to create a national holiday for King. In 1979, they tried to pass a law in the House, but it got rejected because some people thought it would cost too much money. Then, a famous singer named Stevie Wonder released a song called “Happy Birthday” for King, and more people started supporting the idea. Finally, in 1983, 15 years after King’s death, President Ronald Reagan signed the law to make King’s birthday a federal holiday.

Martin Luther King Jr. began his college journey at the early age of 15

Martin Luther King Jr. began his college journey at the early age of 15. Skipping grades 9-12, he entered Morehouse College in Atlanta, a prestigious historically Black college attended by both his father and grandfather.

Despite his family’s background in Baptist ministry, King initially hesitated to pursue a career in the ministry due to his discomfort with the emotional atmosphere of Black church congregations. However, the president of Morehouse College, Benjamin E. Mays, and his philosophy teacher, George D. Kelsey, who were both ordained ministers, convinced him to reconsider. King became an ordained minister in his father’s church while still an undergraduate. Later, he continued his studies in religion and philosophy at the racially-integrated Crozer Theological Seminary and the University of Pennsylvania. During this period, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, King adopted the concept of nonviolent resistance as a positive force for societal change.

Martin Luther King Jr paid the hospital bill for the birth of Julia Roberts.

There is a popular and heartwarming story that the King family, particularly Martin Luther King Jr., paid the hospital bill for the birth of Julia Roberts. However, there is no credible evidence or confirmation to support this claim. It seems to be a widely circulated rumor without a factual basis. It’s important to be cautious about accepting such stories without reliable sources or verifiable information.

Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested approximately 30 times

Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested approximately 30 times during his lifetime for various civil rights-related activities. These arrests were a result of his commitment to nonviolent resistance and his active participation in protests and acts of civil disobedience. King’s willingness to face arrest became a symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice during the American civil rights movement.