On October 14, 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made history as the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. At just 35 years old, Dr. King was recognized for his leadership and commitment to nonviolent resistance against racial injustice in America.
Upon learning of the honor, he pledged to donate "every penny" of the $54,000 prize money to the ongoing fight for civil rights. During his powerful acceptance speech in Oslo on December 10, 1964, Dr. King dedicated the award to the countless individuals in the movement, referring to them as a "mighty army of love." He emphasized that nonviolence is the key to overcoming the pressing issues of our time, including racial injustice, poverty, and war.
"I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits."