Reflection: Covering the 50th Anniversary of MLK’s Assassination

The picture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. laying in a pool of blood on the second floor of the Lorraine Hotel moves me to tears. It’s an image that is both haunting, heartbreaking, and necessary to show the sacrifice of a man who committed his life’s work to bringing this nation together. I was so honored when my news managers agreed to let me cover the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination.

Being in Memphis, Tennessee on the anniversary was spectacular. The ceremonies leading up to the day, and on April 4 were upbeat celebrations on the life he lived, the messages he preached so that people of color could be treated equal.

Before the wreath laying ceremony at the National Civil Rights Museum, there was an I AM MAN rally and march for economic justice and labor rights. The event took place on Beale Street right in front of the AFSCME local 1733 labor union office for Memphis sanitation workers. This was a moving recreation of the 1968 march Dr. King led for 1300 striking workers fighting for humane working conditions and better pay. On the 50th anniversary of the rally, the leader of the union said workers today are still fighting the good fight.

During the rally, R&B Soul recording artist Goapele sang her hit song “Closer to my Dreams.” The song is one of my favorites and was befitting for the anniversary. Grammy-award winning Rapper, Common uplifted the crowd with a freestyle in honor of Dr. King. And of course, he performed his Oscar-winning song “Glory” to a very hype audience.

At different points during the week’s events, I chatted with celebrities and public figures like actor Chris Tucker, political commentator Angela Rye, Rev. Dr. William Barber, Congressman’s Charles Rangel and Bobby Rush. I will never forget my interview with Rangel though, because he made me laugh (part of the interview is on my instagram). I asked him what was it like marching with Dr. King. He immediately said he was probably cussing and fussing the whole time because of his bad feet. It was a nice, transparent moment.

The weather on the 50th anniversary ceremony was cold and windy, but sunny. Thousands packed the courtyard of the National Civil Rights Museum. There were special tributes throughout the day that were heartfelt including a video message from President Obama. He told the crowd he credits Dr. King for his rise in becoming the first Black president. He challenged us to follow the example Dr. King left us.

Civil rights icons like Congressman John Lewis and Rev. Jesse Jackson were in attendance. In fact, Jackson stood on the balcony outside room 306 where Dr. King was killed and said his memories are still fresh and emotional. He also described how the bullet hit King, ripping his tie and injuring his neck. It was one of the saddest moments during the observance, besides the bell that rang 39 times for the number of years King lived. The entire courtyard became still. It was moving.

Dr. King’s second son, Dexter did not attend the anniversary. Being there was too difficult for him. King’s other children, Martin III and Dr. Bernice King showed incredible strength throughout. The anniversary of Dr. King’s death is a reminder that we must live the dream he prophesied. We must be the change we want to see. We must look beyond our biases and prejudices to build each other, display humility and treat our differences with respect and dignity.

Dr. King had flaws that made him human and relatable. And the totality of his work, fifty years later, resonates even louder today. And, for me, continues to inspire.