We all know Martin Luther King, Jr. to be among the world’s greatest educators, freedom fighters, orators, leaders and truth seekers — but his four children knew of many more loving layers to a man who had already earned a pretty high pedestal in society.
Despite all the great accolades Dr. King achieved throughout his short-lived life, there was perhaps one role that held prominence over most and that was being a father to his beloved children.

Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, welcomed four kids (Dexter, Bernice, Yolanda and Martin Luther King III) — all of whom were once pint-sized toddlers who admired their father for reasons too many to list. Decades after his death, their admiration has not dwindled.
On a day commemorating Dr. King and celebrating his legacy, we invite you to a series of photos that show a rarely pictured and uplifting – but not any less authentic — side to Dr. King during his days in Montgomery, Alabama.

By Huff Post

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy

After Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is freed from jail under a $2000 appeal bond, he is greeted by his wife Coretta and children, Marty and Yoki, at the airport in Chamblee, Georgia on October 27, 1960

Source: By Bettmann/Corbis

Civil rights leader Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. relaxes at home with his family in May 1956 in Montgomery, Alabama

Source: By Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Martin Luther King Jr. and his family eat their Sunday dinner after church on November 8, 1964.

Source: By Flip Schulke/Corbis

Martin Luther King Jr. talks with his daughter on a swing set in the backyard of their home in Atlanta.

Source: By Flip Schulke/Corbis

Martin Luther King Jr. serves pieces of chicken to his young sons Marty and Dexter at Sunday dinner on November 8, 1964.

Source: By Flip Schulke/Corbis

Martin Luther King Jr. holds his young son Dexter on his lap at home in Atlanta, November 8, 1960.

Source: By Flip Schulke/Corbis

Martin Luther King Jr. and his family eat their Sunday dinner after church on November 8, 1964.

Source: By Flip Schulke/Corbis

Civil rights leader Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. relaxes at home with his family in May 1956 in Montgomery, Alabama.

Source: By Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Martin Luther King Jr. pushes his young son Dexter on a swing set in their backyard, November 1960

Source: By Flip Schulke/Corbis

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