CFNN Reporter Karina Phair

What’s the real story behind MLK?
Martin Luther King Day is a national holiday that celebrates the life and achievements of an American, Christian minister, activist and political philosopher named Martin Luther King Jr. He was the chief spokesperson of the historic “March on Washington,” where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Martin Luther King Day has been recognized as a federal holiday for the last 38 years. MLK was a significant figure in the fight for racial equality and in the works to reverse social injustice. The first displays of his activism were represented in December of 1955. King wanted to make everyone feel equal, to be treated as one kind of human. He fought and protested so the racism would end and to hopefully change the world’s perspective.

His Protests.
In December of 1955, MLK organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott to promote a change for the seating arrangements of African-American passengers. His second big protest was a march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. After the march was over, he recited his “How long? Not long” speech to the growing audience. King wanted to put an emphasis on the origin of segregation and discrimination in the southern areas. He predicted that freedom and equality will be granted to his fellow African-Americans.

On February 12th of 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. joined the Memphis movement, which would soon become the first march of the poor people’s campaign, as well as his last protest. The Memphis Sanitation workers were marching for equality, dignity, and respect. MLK stood proudly and marched beside them. He gave his “I Am A Man” speech the day before he was assassinated. That day was April 3, 1968. The march did end up being successful, state officials came to an agreement with the workers for a guaranteed wage raise.

Even though the agreement was set in stone, the officials still had not followed through on their end of the deal. This brought about a cause for several other strikes, in order to get the state of Memphis to follow through and honor their half of the agreement.

THE DAY HE WAS ASSASSINATED.
MLK was assassinated on April 4, 1968. He was standing on the balcony in preparation for a dinner with a Memphis minister by the name of Samuel Kyles. King was shot and killed by James Earl Ray. He was officially pronounced dead at the St. Joseph’s hospital in Memphis at 7:05 pm.

MLK’s death caused an uproar in 110 American cities. News of the activist’s death spread like wildfire, sparking racial violence and riots everywhere. The riots came to an end on April 8, 1968, and resulted in 40 deaths around the nation.

King said that he wanted to be remembered as a person who gave his life trying to help and serve others. This is why we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, to honor all he did for his fellow African-Americans and the rest of the world.