Learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement in the classroom Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to achieving equality and justice for all Americans of all colors. While growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, King became increasingly aware of the racism and segregation in society. At age 6, his best friend – a white boy whom he had known and played with since he was three - was told by his father that he could no longer play with Martin because he was black. Here you can find