45 Historical Figures Who Were Misunderstood During Their Lifetime

Martin Luther King Jr., an icon of the civil rights movement, did not bask in universal adoration during his time despite his monumental contributions to equality and justice. As he led the charge against racial segregation and discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s, King faced fierce opposition from a deeply divided America.

His calls for nonviolent protest and racial integration were met with hostility and violence. Many labeled him a troublemaker and agitator, even within the African-American community. It was only after his tragic assassination in 1968 that his message of love, unity, and civil rights gained widespread acclaim.