With today being the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., one of only four people to have a national holiday named for them (”Home Alone” is a good movie, but is its director really worthy of a holiday, sheesh), we thought we’d examine some other notable Martins. Granted, none of these cats are likely to earn their own day of remembrance, but that doesn’t mean they deserve to be ignored. Amen.

Martin: Luther King
Occupation: Minister/Political Rights Activist
Civil Rights Contributions: Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Montgomery Bus Boycott, Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Author of: The Measure of a Man
Quote: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

Martin: Lawrence
Occupation: Comedian/Actor
Civil Rights Contributions: Def Comedy Jam, “Do The Right Thing”
Author of: “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”
Quote: “If somebody pisses me off and I understand it ain’t personal then I’ll go to another place and I’ll meditate.”

Martin: Steve
Occupation: Comedian/Writer/Actor
Civil Rights Contribution: “Bringing Down the House”
Author of: Shopgirl
Quote: “I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art, but if you set out to make art you’re an idiot.”

Martin: Scorsese
Occupation: Filmmaker
Civil Rights Contributions: “Kundun”
Author of: A Personal Journal Through American Movies
Quote: “Cinema is a matter of what’s in the frame and what’s out.”

Martin: Dean
Occupation: Singer/Actor
Civil Rights Contributions: “Cannonball Run II”
Author of: Dean Martin Songbook
Quote: “If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt.”

Martin: Ricky
Occupation: Singer/La Vida Loca liver
Civil Rights Contributions: Menudo
Author of: “Til I Get to You”
Quote: “I love giving the golden shower. I’ve done it before in the shower. It’s like so sexy, you know, the temperature of your body and the shower water is very different.”

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