Unveiling the Surprising Ancestral Link: Martin Luther King Jr. and Martin Luther Share Genetic Connection

Michael Barngrover
News You Can’t Use
3 min readJan 15, 2024
Artist depiction of what Martin Luther King Jr. would’ve looked like had he been born in Eisleben, Germany in the 15th century

Atlanta — In an astonishing revelation that promises to rewrite history, genealogists have recently discovered a direct ancestral link between the iconic civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., and the 16th-century German theologian, Martin Luther. Through meticulous genetic analysis and extensive archival research, experts at the Georgia Tech School of Speculative Genealogy have unearthed a connection that transcends centuries and continents.

The groundbreaking research, conducted by a team of renowned genealogists, delved into the familial roots of Martin Luther King Jr. Using cutting-edge genetic analysis and combing through centuries-old archival records, they were able to trace an unbroken line of descent leading back to the famed 16th-century figure, Martin Luther. Long a source of profound confusion for uninterested students and those with little-to-no concept of time and space, the previously nominal relationship between the two historical figures promises to now be much easier to explain and remember. The revalation may also lend more credibility to Martin Luther King Jr.’s ministry work while simultaneously crediting Martin Luther for unidentified socially progressive movements in contemporary Lower Saxony.

The unexpected connection provides a new perspective on the historical ties that bind these two influential figures. Martin Luther King Jr., known for his pivotal role in the American civil rights movement during the mid-20th century, shares a lineage with Martin Luther, the key figure behind the Protestant Reformation in 16th-century Germany. The discovery of a direct line of descent has captivated historians and scholars alike, sparking discussions about the intertwined nature of historical legacies.

Furthermore, the researchers uncovered a startling revelation regarding Martin Luther’s own heritage. Contrary to popular belief, the reformist theologian celebrated as the cause of the Thirty-Years War was found to have African ancestry, challenging the conventional narrative of a predominantly white Northern European background. This discovery sheds light on the prevalence of historical white-washing techniques employed by early printing press operators during the 16th century.

A recently restored and color-corrected Photoshop depiction of the 16th century theologian

Historical records indicate that early printers often manipulated images and narratives to fit prevailing societal norms. In the case of Martin Luther, the revelation that he had African roots was systematically erased from historical accounts, contributing to the misconception that he was a figure of exclusively European descent.

This whitewashing of Martin Luther’s racial identity is now recognized as an early example of historical revisionism, designed to make his reformist ideas more palatable to the racially-sensitive context of 16th and 17th-century Northern Germany. By presenting him as a figure with a purely European lineage, these early distortions aimed to enhance the marketability of Martin Luther’s revolutionary ideas amidst a society grappling with racial sensitivities.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond the personal connections between Martin Luther King Jr. and Martin Luther, offering a unique insight into the historical manipulation of racial narratives. As scholars continue to analyze the far-reaching consequences of these revelations, it is clear that our understanding of history is continuously evolving, challenging preconceived notions and prompting a reassessment of the stories we thought we knew.

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Michael Barngrover
News You Can’t Use

VR developer and designer in Istanbul, Turkey. Mentor and consultant for VR startups, corporations, and the XR-curious.