Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (Chicago)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is a major north-south thoroughfare in Chicago, Illinois. It is named in honor of the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The street stretches for approximately 16 miles, traversing the city's South Side.

The renaming of the street to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive occurred in 1968, shortly after King's assassination, as a tribute to his legacy and contributions to the fight for racial equality. The original name of much of the street was South Parkway Boulevard, itself a landscaped boulevard. Other sections of the current Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive were formerly known as Grand Boulevard and Drexel Boulevard.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is a vital artery for transportation and commerce, serving numerous residential neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural institutions. It passes through or borders significant areas such as Bronzeville, Washington Park, and Woodlawn. Landmarks along or near the Drive include the historic Parkway Ballroom, Washington Park, and the University of Chicago.

The Drive serves as a focal point for community events and celebrations, particularly those commemorating Dr. King's life and legacy. It also faces challenges related to economic development and infrastructure improvements in some of the neighborhoods it serves.