On this day, 40 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
The evening before, he delivered his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech and in the last ominous paragraph he addresses the likelihood of his end.
“Well, I don’t know what will happen now; we’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life-longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And so I’m happy tonight; I’m not worried about anything; I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
Local resident who knew Dr. King remark in the Chattanooga Times.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most important, inspiring people of the Twentieth Century and the father of the Civil Rights Movement. His untimely death shook the word and devastated many, but he should be remembered for his legacy of hope for equality and peace. The Lorraine Hotel has since become the Civil Rights Museum.
1. presley says
i love you martin luther king jr i am in the sixth grade we are doing a prodject on you i really care for you i no you can hear this now don’t forget i love you and your family i love you there is so much i can say but i love you a million times hahah any way i wish that mean guy didnt shoot you i m so sorry but i no your in a better place i love you presley
September 30th, 2009