Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a key figure during the Civil Rights Movement during the 1970s. Before getting active as a civil rights leader, he worked as a pastor. He rendered his services at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

Officially named as Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in memory of King, the church is also notable for being the venue where the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott was helped organized by King at the church?s basement. The church was constructed from 1883 to 1889 and initially called the Second Colored Baptist Church. In 1887, the church began serving the African-American community in the area when it became the venue of the first registration of students of Alabama State University. This community service became even more important during the Civil Rights Movement during the early 20th century.