NPR’s ‘Book of the Day’ podcast Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t originally set out to become a civil rights activist, according to his biographer. On a Jan. 3 episode of NPR’s Book of the Day podcast, Jonathan Eig,

It was first proposed four days after King's 1968 assassination outside a Memphis motel. It took 15 years until it became a federal holiday.

Originally released on home video, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Historical Perspective follows a more traditional approach to documentary filmmaking. Narrated by The Transformers voice actor Arthur Burghardt, we see some never-before-scene footage of Dr. King and elements of his life that weren’t covered in the previous documentaries.

The MLK parade in Newport News featured a special guest appearance by Dr. King’s niece, Rev. Robin Scott-King, who shared the principles by which her uncle lived.

Tributes across the nation will honor Martin Luther King Jr., a man who inspired many. But who inspired him? It was Charleston SC educator Septima P. Clark.

Martin Luther King Jr. helped lead the Civil Rights Movement. Read about his “I Have a Dream” speech, quotes, holiday, kids, assassination, and more facts.

From breakfasts, to food drives, to service projects, Massachusetts communities this weekend will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.