Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Overview (A.H.)
Martin Luther King in some terms is called a “hero” to the African-American race. White people back then would probably call that an “over-statement”, but now things have changed for both and all races. Throughout American History, African Americans have been discriminated against just because of their color. Martin changed that and showed people that everyone is equal.
Martin Luther King-
Martin Luther King Jr. was born January 15, 1929 at 501 Auburn Ave, Atlanta, Georgia.
January 15th was a special day for people. They just didn’t know it yet. But a great leader had been born, only to be assassinated 39 years later. His life was an example to blacks and whites of how to be a positive role model, leader, orator, and peaceful man. His birth was the start of a revolution.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born January 15, 1929 at 501 Auburn Ave, Atlanta, Georgia.
January 15th was a special day for people. They just didn’t know it yet. But a great leader had been born, only to be assassinated 39 years later. His life was an example to blacks and whites of how to be a positive role model, leader, orator, and peaceful man. His birth was the start of a revolution.
Martins Childhood-
Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t a Martin all his life, he actually went by the name Michael. Martin Luther King was open to his opinion about segregation, at the age of six, Martin had two white friends, however he wasn’t allowed to play with them at school due to his skin color, and this was only the beginning. Later on, his mom went on to tell Martin that he had to stop playing with his white friends all together. Martin didn't understand why, until he asked his mother. He did not like the response.
Martin attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduating at the age of 15 from high school and was a religious boy. Martin was elected president of a predominantly white class. His peers thought very highly of him. They knew from a young age he was driven to be the best or at least try his very best. His future role as leader of the black community, as well as his future role in developing the white’s trust, was beginning to take shape.
Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t a Martin all his life, he actually went by the name Michael. Martin Luther King was open to his opinion about segregation, at the age of six, Martin had two white friends, however he wasn’t allowed to play with them at school due to his skin color, and this was only the beginning. Later on, his mom went on to tell Martin that he had to stop playing with his white friends all together. Martin didn't understand why, until he asked his mother. He did not like the response.
Martin attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduating at the age of 15 from high school and was a religious boy. Martin was elected president of a predominantly white class. His peers thought very highly of him. They knew from a young age he was driven to be the best or at least try his very best. His future role as leader of the black community, as well as his future role in developing the white’s trust, was beginning to take shape.
Martins Childhood-
Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t a Martin all his life, he actually went by the name Michael. Martin Luther King was open to his opinion about segregation, at the age of six, Martin had two white friends, however he wasn’t allowed to play with them at school due to his skin color, and this was only the beginning. Later on, his mom went on to tell Martin that he had to stop playing with his white friends all together. Martin didn't understand why, until he asked his mother. He did not like the response.
Martin attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduating at the age of 15 from high school and was a religious boy. Martin was elected president of a predominantly white class. His peers thought very highly of him. They knew from a young age he was driven to be the best or at least try his very best. His future role as leader of the black community, as well as his future role in developing the white’s trust, was beginning to take shape.
Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t a Martin all his life, he actually went by the name Michael. Martin Luther King was open to his opinion about segregation, at the age of six, Martin had two white friends, however he wasn’t allowed to play with them at school due to his skin color, and this was only the beginning. Later on, his mom went on to tell Martin that he had to stop playing with his white friends all together. Martin didn't understand why, until he asked his mother. He did not like the response.
Martin attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduating at the age of 15 from high school and was a religious boy. Martin was elected president of a predominantly white class. His peers thought very highly of him. They knew from a young age he was driven to be the best or at least try his very best. His future role as leader of the black community, as well as his future role in developing the white’s trust, was beginning to take shape.
March on Washington (S.G. and D.F.)
The March on Washington changed millions of people’s opinions on Civil Rights. The viewers and attenders saw the hurt and hope these African Americans had for their freedom. African Americans have been through many hardships to receive their equal rights. With perseverance, they finally got what they desired. The March helped them express their passion for equal rights.
- On June 20, 1963, President John F. Kennedy met with a group of civil rights leaders that were planning to host a large assembly in Washington D.C. to protest civil rights. The March took place on August 28, 1963 with about 250,000 protesters. “The event included musical performances by Marian Anderson; Joan Baez; Bob Dylan; Mahalia Jackson; Peter, Paul, and Mary; and Josh White. Charlton Heston—representing a contingent of artists, including Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando, Diahann Carroll, Ossie Davis, Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, Paul Newman, and Sidney Poitier—read a speech by James Baldwin” (Info Please, Pearson Education). Martin Luther King Jr. was the last speaker and even though he wasn’t supposed to speak, there was a empty spot in the last slot. “Organized by a number of civil rights and religious groups, the event was designed to shed light on the political and social challenges African Americans continued to face across the country”(History.com) .
- MEMORABLE MONOLOGUES FROM THE MARCH-
“My country ‘tis of thee; sweet land of liberty; of thee I sing; land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring”
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.”
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”(I Have a Dream: The Life and Words of Martin Luther King, Jr.). These are some of the most famous parts of MLK’s speech. To this day, people from all around the world recognize his speech and the words that were so brilliantly spoken.- MEMORABLE MONOLOGUES FROM THE MARCH-
WHAT HAPPENED AFTER?-
- After Dr. King gave his legendary speech, the Birmingham Sixteenth Street Bombing happened. Also, President Kennedy was assassinated. That all happened within two months. But that very much increased public support for equal civil rights. The following summer from The March, congress passed the 1964 Civil Rights Law, outlawing segregation in all places; schools, restaurants, water fountains, etc. Although, the law did not give African Americans voting rights, yet. This picture shows the signers of the 1964 Civil Rights Act shaking hands with Martin Luther King Jr.
- I HAVE A DREAM-
- I HAVE A DREAM-
- THE MARCH AND THE MEDIA-
REMEMBERING THE MARCH-
To remember the fiftieth anniversary of the March on Washington, the archbishops of Washington, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl hosted a prayer service at a Baptist church on August 28, 2013 in Washington D.C.. The archbishop referenced to Dr. King’s brilliant words. “The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church released a statement marking the anniversary, which said the bishops ‘rejoice in the advances’ of the past 50 years, yet "sadly acknowledge that much today remains to be accomplished’” (InfOhio).
https://docs.google.com/document/d/188t8YqmOZSQOA-ISzCPo9WsqKe4wh_jSraASrvknJJ0/edit?usp=sharing
To remember the fiftieth anniversary of the March on Washington, the archbishops of Washington, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl hosted a prayer service at a Baptist church on August 28, 2013 in Washington D.C.. The archbishop referenced to Dr. King’s brilliant words. “The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church released a statement marking the anniversary, which said the bishops ‘rejoice in the advances’ of the past 50 years, yet "sadly acknowledge that much today remains to be accomplished’” (InfOhio).
https://docs.google.com/document/d/188t8YqmOZSQOA-ISzCPo9WsqKe4wh_jSraASrvknJJ0/edit?usp=sharing
March on Wasington (A.W. & J.S.)
The March on Washington took place in August of 1963, and easily became one of the most important events in the fight for civil rights, and consequently, U.S. history. This march was the culmination of many violent and dramatic events in the struggle for civil rights. Compiled below are the most important things to know about this historic march.
More than 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial and the surrounding vicinity. About three-fourths of these people were African-American (Wikipedia). They filled the area from the memorial to the Washington Monument and beyond, crowding into the cramped space in order to hear Dr. King’s powerful words. They cheered, they sang, they shouted. These people, restrained for so long, were ecstatic for a chance to be free. These were the people who had resisted every effort to stop them. They had resisted the powerful blasts of fire hoses and the vicious bites of attack dogs (Wenger). Their determination and spirit had brought them all the way to the nation’s capital.
This event was led by Martin Luther King, Jr., where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. This charismatic pastor was the leader of the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, and quickly established himself as one of the main leaders of the blacks’ push for civil rights (Wikipedia). Dr. King began his written speech, but Mahalia Jackson shouted, “Tell ‘em about the dream, Martin!” Hearing this, King completely abandoned the speech he had worked on and launched into a grand improvisation. He declared to the gathered people that he had a hope; a grand vision of the future. He saw the future that would eventually become the world today, a world where children could go hand in hand without worrying about the color of their skin (King).
Singing also took place during this march. In fact, it was a singer who encouraged King to ignore his written speech and recite his famous "Dream" speech, as was noted earlier. Prominent African-American singers came to express the feelings of blacks. Mahalia Jackson and Marian Anderson sang songs that were popular during the civil rights movement (Wikipedia). Joan Baez led the crowd in singing "We Shall Overcome", a song that was common throughout the movement. In addition, Bob Dylan performed two songs, one of which Baez joined in (Wikipedia).
This march was the culmination of many events, such as George Wallace’s “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” and Martin Luther King’s arrest in Birmingham, Alabama. The former took place at the University of Alabama in June of 1963. George Wallace, the governor of Alabama, went to the university and refused to move away from the auditorium doors, which two black students had to pass through in order to enroll. Eventually, the President got involved and Wallace moved, but not without resistance. The arrest of Martin Luther King took place in April of 1963 and, as its name suggests, was the arrest of Dr. King, one of the main leaders of the civil rights movement. King was treated unusually harshly in the jail, but he managed to write his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail". Despite this, after King got out, he continued to fight for the rights of African-Americans (Wenger).
The timing of this march was surprisingly interesting. The year 1963, which contained the largest struggles for or against civil rights, was also the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln (Wikipedia). President Kennedy also got involved. Although a meeting between Kennedy and a group of advocates for civil rights was a failure, Kennedy decided to get involved and gave a famous civil rights address on national television and radio (Wikipedia).
At the 50th Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, the US Postal Service released a stamp that commemorates this event. In addition to this, anniversary marches occur every five years to recognize the importance of this march. The speech may have happened half a century ago, but the meaning in the words will forever be engrained into the history of the United States (Wenger).
Works Cited: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TI_iRygS8CJLvkgvmGzHomVSKdAlL6G62PdnTeJpkBI/edit
Works Cited: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TI_iRygS8CJLvkgvmGzHomVSKdAlL6G62PdnTeJpkBI/edit
Coretta Scott King (A.B. and A.D.)
Wife, mother, daughter, Civil Rights activist, feminist, gay rights supporter. Coretta Scott King was all of these. She dedicated her life to achieving equal rights for all humans, black or white, gay or straight, etc. Even though she passed away, her legacy still lives on.
A day to honor a man who helped shape the future of the country. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was founded by King’s wife, Coretta Scott King. It first became a day in 1986 (Wikipedia). It occurs on the third Monday in January (Time and Date). It is a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, and to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and his achievements. Illinois was the first state to adopt Martin Luther King Jr. Day. On MLKJ day in 1993, it was the first time all 50 states celebrated what he did for the country (Info Please).
An award named after a lady who influenced equal rights for people. The Coretta Scott King Book Award is given every year to African-American authors and illustrators. These authors write about the African-American experience, and are intended for a youth audience (American Library Association). Started in 1970, the books that win this award are not only outstandingly written or illustrated, but meaningful too (Wikipedia). This award was intended to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King for all of their hard work and determination throughout their lives. This year’s winners include Rita Williams-Garcia, Bryan Collier, Theodore Taylor III, and others (American Library Association).
A building built to preserve the legacy of the Kings. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, or The King Center, was founded by Coretta Scott King in 1968. The King Center uses the philosophy and methods of nonviolence to create the community that MLK Jr. envisioned. This center includes exhibits like ‘The Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. Exhibit,’ that features the photographic history of their lives. There is also the ‘Rosa Parks Room,’ the ‘Ghandi Room,’ and the ‘Nobel Prize for Peace.’ There is also the ‘Freedom Hall Grand Foyer Exhibits’ (The King Center).
A woman remembered for her fight for equal rights for everyone. Coretta Scott King was a huge supporter of women’s rights, children’s rights, gay rights, and many others, but mainly those three (The King Center). She could often be found speaking before church, civic, college, fraternal and peace groups. Coretta Scott King is considered a ‘hero’ in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community. For more than 20 years, she worked for gay rights as well as the civil rights movement (Huffington Post). Coretta was also a delegate of the Women’s Strike for Peace, which is a U.S. women’s peace activist group (Stanford).
A building that cost just under 1 million dollars to build. The Georgia State Capitol, located in Atlanta, Georgia, has been named a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1889, it was designed to look like the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Coretta Scott King was the first African-American lady to lie in honor there. Over 16,000 people paid their respects to her while her body was there. After words, there was an eight hour funeral at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia (Wikipedia).
A woman who was a believer in equal rights for everyone. When Coretta Scott King was an undergraduate, she took interest in the Civil Rights Movement and joined the NAACP. NAACP stands for ‘National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.’ With Dr. King, Coretta inspired citizens to get rid of the segregation laws. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed on April 4, 1968. Coretta Scott King continued her husband's dream of an equal community (Achievement). Coretta once said, "I have a dream too. I'd like to see a more humane society, a sharing society. I dream that we will resolve our conflicts without going to war with each other." Coretta’s look on civil rights was partially influenced by her husband.
A current implication of Coretta Scott King is Michelle Obama. Both Coretta and Michelle are the wives of incredibly powerful African American men, but they also have ambitions of their own. Michelle works with a campaign called Let’s Move! which is a campaign to stop childhood obesity. This organization provides schools with healthier food, makes healthy and affordable food available everywhere in the country, and helps kids be more physically active. Michelle is working to improve peoples’ lives, as did Coretta when she was alive (The White House).
Coretta Scott King (A.B. and L.P.)
There was once a woman who traveled the world with one goal in mind: to change what people have led society to believe is correct. She devoted her entire life to giving us the rights we all have today, and allowing us to become ourselves. Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., worked just as hard as her husband to give everyone around the globe the equal rights that they need.
Coretta Scott King was the wife of Martin Luther King Jr, the man who changed the world himself. She was an American Civil Rights Activist and worked together with her husband to bring equality into America for all people. She took part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was sort of like a revolution against the buses so black people didn’t ride the bus anymore after the Rosa Parks incident. Because of it, the economy went down and a lot of bus companies were losing money, because no one ever rode the bus. Coretta participated in spreading the word about the boycott.
Coretta Scott King’s birthday is April 27, 1927, and was born in Marion, Alabama. She went to Lincoln High School, and graduated as valedictorian in 1945. She enrolled at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. There, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and education, and established a career in activism in her own right. She worked as a public mediator.
After her husband’s assassination, she continued the work they did with each other. She continued to attempt to change society’s views and give equal rights to all. She also worked to spread the word about what her husband had done. Coretta Scott King founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, which is in Atlanta, Georgia. Coretta served as the center’s president and chief executive officer. Also, in 1980, a 23-acre site around Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace was designated for use by the King Center.
Coretta Scott King worked along-side her husband in the 1950’s and ‘60s, but she also went on her own to work for civil rights all around the world. She made her way to Ghana to mark that nation’s independence in 1957. She also traveled to India on a pilgrimage in 1959 and worked to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Coretta Scott King had some heart problems, and suffered a heart attack and stroke at once in August of 2005. She passed away about a year later, on January 30, 2006, in Playas de Rosarito, Mexico. She suffered from respiratory failure and died on a monday night. Mrs. King was receiving further medical treatment at Santa Monica Hospital when she died. She passed away many years after her husband, who was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
Coretta had a remarkable relationship with Dr. King, so during her life, she had four children. They all were raised dedicated in continuing their parent’s work. Her children she worked so hard to look after are Yolanda Denise, Martin Luther 111, Dexter Scott, and Bernice Albertine. She devoted her life to human dignity, and changing society’s views so everyone would be considered equal. Mrs. King traveled the world speaking out for racial and economic justice, women’s and children’s rights, gay and lesbian dignity, healthcare, and educational opportunities.
Coretta Scott King just recently died in 2006. CNN wrote an article and created a newscast about her life and the funeral around this time (http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/31/obit.king/). They reminded the public of this inspirational woman, the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., and what she did for our rights as people in the U.S. They informed us all about what we were doing to celebrate and remember such a life. We will give our utmost respect to Mrs. King and her hard work.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12FOXyL2bR4rQeIjb9RupKLfTMmurw8q94G_0PKHnd1g/edit?usp=sharing
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12FOXyL2bR4rQeIjb9RupKLfTMmurw8q94G_0PKHnd1g/edit?usp=sharing
Coretta Scott King (A.Y. & A.G.)
Coretta Scott King helped lead the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s
She often participated in many of her husband's exploits and goals during the battle for African-American equality. Coretta received awards both for her and her husband during her lifetime and was awarded posthumously for her charismatic behavior towards human rights. Years after her husband's death she look the role of leadership of the struggle for racial equality she became active in the Women’s Movement the LGBT rights movement. Coretta took an active role in advocating for civil rights legislation. When her husband became the full-time pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. Coretta had to sacrifice and give up her dreams of becoming a classical singer
As an undergraduate, Coretta Scott took an active interest in the nascent Civil Rights Movement; she joined the Antioch chapter of the NAACP, and the college's Race Relations and Civil Liberties.Committees.
Coretta Scott King led the successful campaign to establish Dr. King's birthday, January 15, as a national holiday in the United States. By an Act of Congress, the first national observance of the holiday took place in 1986. 1969, Coretta Scott King published the first volume of her autobiography, My Life with Martin Luther King Jr.
Mrs. King maintained her husband's commitment to the cause of economic justice. She took part in the Montgomery bus boycott (1955) and efforts to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Coretta Scott was born into an America where because of the color of their skin black people were often taught in impoverished, segregated schools, denied access to hotels and restaurants and hospitals, and beaten. Coretta established a career in activism in her own right, working side-by-side her husband Martin Luther king jr. She also took part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and worked to pass the civil rights act. Mrs. King had to retire her singing career to take care of her four kids and continue her civil rights service Mrs. King played a huge role after her husband’s assassination. When she took leadership she on the struggle of racial equality herself became active in the womens movement.
Coretta Scott King was also under surveillance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1968 until 1972. Her husband's activities had been monitored during his lifetime. As an undergraduate, Coretta Scott took an active interest in the civil rights movement. She joined the Antioch chapter of the NAACP, and the college’s race relations and civil liberties committees. Mrs. King continued to serve the cause of justice and human rights, her travels took her all around the world. During the kings life together they had to raise four kids and still be active in the civil rights movement.
Letters from Birmingham Jail (C.R. & S.N.)
The letters from Birmingham is one of the most powerful Martin Luther King Jr. writing. The letter contained reason why a non violent movement is better and that the colored people have waited enough and that now they needed to act.
MLK was a prisoner for 8 days in Birmingham Jail (Haskins [Page 69])
MlK was sent to Birmingham Jail because he protested the treatment of blacks in Birmingham, Alabama ("Martin Luther King Jr.'s”). He did this because Birmingham, Alabama was the most segregated city for blacks to live in (Haskins [Page 61]). Which led to the result of a law that no protests could be held in Birmingham, Alabama. MLK was in Birmingham Jail for 8 days (American Library). There he wrote his famous letter. The letter of Birmingham Jail. His letter was about why he had broken the law. His reasoning and why he will keep on protesting. His wife was about to have a child in Atlanta when he was allowed to leave the jail for that one day. The next day he was back in jail. This is the main idea on what happened to MLK while he was in Birmingham Jail (Haskins [Page 61]).
MlK was sent to Birmingham Jail because he protested the treatment of blacks in Birmingham, Alabama ("Martin Luther King Jr.'s”). He did this because Birmingham, Alabama was the most segregated city for blacks to live in (Haskins [Page 61]). Which led to the result of a law that no protests could be held in Birmingham, Alabama. MLK was in Birmingham Jail for 8 days (American Library). There he wrote his famous letter. The letter of Birmingham Jail. His letter was about why he had broken the law. His reasoning and why he will keep on protesting. His wife was about to have a child in Atlanta when he was allowed to leave the jail for that one day. The next day he was back in jail. This is the main idea on what happened to MLK while he was in Birmingham Jail (Haskins [Page 61]).
The Letter from Birmingham Jail written on April 16, 1963 by Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK wrote a letter while he was in jail. It was called the letter from Birmingham Jail. It was about why he had broken the law. His reasoning was that Blacks shouldn’t be segregated. Especially in Birmingham, Alabama. Which is one of the most segregated cities in Alabama. In his letter, MLK quotes “I am here because injustice is here”(American Library) . As well as "I would agree with Saint Augustine that 'an unjust law is no law at all.” (American Library) he says this because he finds segregation a unjust or unequal law which he finds wrong.
MLK wrote a letter while he was in jail. It was called the letter from Birmingham Jail. It was about why he had broken the law. His reasoning was that Blacks shouldn’t be segregated. Especially in Birmingham, Alabama. Which is one of the most segregated cities in Alabama. In his letter, MLK quotes “I am here because injustice is here”(American Library) . As well as "I would agree with Saint Augustine that 'an unjust law is no law at all.” (American Library) he says this because he finds segregation a unjust or unequal law which he finds wrong.
Birmingham was generally regarded as Alabama's most segregated city(Haskins [Page 69])
Birmingham was a very segregated state. Everything was segregated including Businesses to churches to libraries. Blacks faced constant discrimination and violence towards themselves. But MLK insisted on protesting but a peaceful protest. He said to keep protesting for civil rights. People believed in that and were willing to go to jail in order for civil rights. Just like Martin Luther King Jr.
Peaceful protesters are attacked violently.
Afterwards as people started to protest peacefully. Whites took that as an advantage to attack them brutally and violently. An Example is attacking them with attack dogs. As well as shooting high pressure water at blacks using fire trucks and fire hydrants. Though the blacks didn’t attack them but still peacefully protested for their civil rights. Just as Martin Luther King Suggested letter from Birmingham Jail (Encyclopedia Britannica).
Afterwards as people started to protest peacefully. Whites took that as an advantage to attack them brutally and violently. An Example is attacking them with attack dogs. As well as shooting high pressure water at blacks using fire trucks and fire hydrants. Though the blacks didn’t attack them but still peacefully protested for their civil rights. Just as Martin Luther King Suggested letter from Birmingham Jail (Encyclopedia Britannica).
Seventeen bombings of black churches in the city between 1957-1962 had earned the nickname “Bombingham”.(Haskins [Page 69]
They called Birmingham Bombing because the KKK clan otherwise known as The KU KLUX KLAN were bombing houses/churches with Blacks in them. In one incident, the KKK bombed Martin Luther King Jr.’s house. His family was not hurt but his house was completely demolished. The other reason that KKK was furious and was able to get away with the bombings because that The Civil Rights movement had started there. So the whites especially the KKK were able to get away with the bombings. But KKK took it to far killing little kids but setting off bombs in churches. Whites also kicked out over a hundred black children out of school. These were the tragedies that happened during the Civil Rights movement just because Blacks’ protested peacefully.
They called Birmingham Bombing because the KKK clan otherwise known as The KU KLUX KLAN were bombing houses/churches with Blacks in them. In one incident, the KKK bombed Martin Luther King Jr.’s house. His family was not hurt but his house was completely demolished. The other reason that KKK was furious and was able to get away with the bombings because that The Civil Rights movement had started there. So the whites especially the KKK were able to get away with the bombings. But KKK took it to far killing little kids but setting off bombs in churches. Whites also kicked out over a hundred black children out of school. These were the tragedies that happened during the Civil Rights movement just because Blacks’ protested peacefully.
Basically to sum up what you just read. MLK was put in jail where he had wrote the letter from Birmingham Jail. Which he wrote why he had broken the law. His reasoning was that people were being discriminated in Birmingham, Alabama. People were being shot but fire hoses with compressed water. Bombings in churches/houses. Along with MLK’s house. Kids being kicked out of school. And know about 50 years later( News Republic) The Letter from Birmingham Jail is being used in books such as Gospel of Freedom. This is what happened during the Civil Rights movement after The letter from Birmingham Jail is written.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KesZqdGJd40PhCuhvHC1i-2V8pW_Sd6yRRX8HeUBoFg/edit?usp=sharing
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KesZqdGJd40PhCuhvHC1i-2V8pW_Sd6yRRX8HeUBoFg/edit?usp=sharing
Assassination (K.Q. & O.W.)
Martin Luther King. Everybody knows the name. Everybody knows his actions. But not everybody knows his death story. From being stabbed to being shot killed Martin Luther King was an extraordinary man that will be remembered for years to come.
April 4, 1968, Memphis ,TN. The location where Martin Luther King was shot and killed. 7:05 PM, St. Joseph's Hospital is where he died. Martin was 39 when he died and he fell on the second floor of the Lorraine Hotel. King was headed off to dinner at the time of the incident. James Earl Ray, the assassin, wanted segregation to last and decided to warn the black people that whites are superior. King. His last speech was ‘I’ve been to the Mountain Top” on April 3, 1968. He delivered it to support the striking sanitation workers in Memphis. Dr. King and other ministers believed they could bring about many more changes in the South through nonviolent protest. For example, the MIA was an organization that carpooled with blacks instead of them riding buses. James was against all of this so that’s why he killed Martin.
Martin’s death caused riots to uprise and over 40 deaths among the rioters. King assassination riots also known as Holy Week Uprising, caused most blacks to feel angry and disillusioned, as though now only violent resistance against whites could be effective.Some of the biggest riots took place in Washington D.C, Baltimore, Louisville, Kansas City, and Chicago. The people were upset because King was a beloved leader in the civil rights movement, but also a major advocate for nonviolence. He was a symbol of direct engagement with the political system.
Martin Luther King’s grave is located at the king center. His funeral was held at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and over 100,000 people attended to make speeches and sermons about him. Martin’s grave reads, “Free at last, Free at last, Thanks God Almighty, I’m free at last.” Next to his name is his wife’s name which reads, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” The King Center is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The King Library and Archives in Atlanta is the largest repository of primary source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement in the world. The collection consists of the papers of Dr. King and those of the organization he co-founded, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, as well as the records of 8 major civil rights organizations and of several individuals active in the Movement. The archives also include more than 200 oral history interviews with Dr. King’s teachers, friends, family and civil rights associates.
James Earl Ray, was caught on June 8. James was sentenced to ninety-nine years in prison. He spent the rest of his natural life in prison. James was convicted on March 10, 1969. He died in prison of hepatitis C. Ray fled north to Toronto, Ontario, where he hid out for a month and acquired a Canadian passport under the false name of Ramon George Sneyd. On June 8, 1968, a little more than two months after King's death, Ray was captured at London's Heathrow Airport while trying to leave the United Kingdom on the false Canadian passport. At check-in, the ticket agent noticed the name on his passport—Sneyd—was on a Royal Canadian Mounted Police watchlist. At the airport, officials noticed that Ray carried another passport under a second name. The UK quickly extradited Ray to Tennessee, where he was charged with King's murder. He confessed to the crime on March 10, 1969, his 41st birthday, and after pleading guilty was sentenced to 99 years in prison.
Dr. King was once stabbed by a mentally ill black woman in 1958. On September 20, 1958, Dr King was doing a book signing at the Blumstein’s Department Store which was located on 230 West 125th Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues). At 3:30pm Dr. King was signing his first published book, a memoir on the Montgomery bus boycott called Stride for Freedom: A Montgomery story when a woman who was not part of the twenty people that were on line waiting to meet Dr. King approached the table. As the woman slipped into a narrow opening by the desk, she asked him "Are You Dr. King?" to which he responded with a nod. For his confirmation he received a stabbing to the upper left part of his chest in the form of a silver letter opener. The woman was also found to have a .25-calibre Italian automatic pistol in her dress. Dr. King was taken to Harlem Hospital and was operated on by famed surgeon Dr. Aubrey de Lambert Maynard for two and half-hours.
Dr. King went through many troubling times, but came out on top in the end. Everything he worked for and did finally paid off. Segregation is over. But Martin’s story is not. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mm0atqZb57lX1rjCt8VgoYYkuYOOMJ5GG9CCK8yn6Co/edit?usp=sharing
Assassination (S.S. & T.S)
On January 15, 1929 a leader was born. Martin Luther King lived a difficult life, but he inspired many others. January 15 is a day of remembrance for his lis life, but life also comes with death. Sadly, He was assassinated at a young age of 39. This is just the basics and there is a lot more to his death. The reason, the people, the place, and the story.
On April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King was shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel outside of room 306. He was talking to two other people just before heading off to a dinner party. He was dead as soon as he hit the ground, but he wasn’t officially announced dead until 7:05pm.
He was shot from behind and the bullet hit his spinal chord. The shot was so powerful it ripped Dr. King's necktie from his body. It hit him with such force that it knocked him flat on his back on the balcony floor. Men rushed to him, hoping that he was still alive but he died as soon as he hit the ground. Martin Luther King Jr’s last words were “Take my hand, Precious Lord in the meeting tonight. Play it real pretty.”
The man who killed Dr. King wasn't caught for three months and had been in trouble with the law in the past. His name was James Earl Ray. He wasn’t caught until June 8th. After he was caught he was sentenced to ninety-nine years in prison. On the day he shot Martin he changed his name to John L Willard to try and hide his identity. He thought he outsmarted the police but they soon knew that he registered at Mrs. Brewers, asked for a back room, and paid a week in advance.
Dr. King wasn't pronounced dead until an hour after he was shot. The doctors tried as hard as they could to save the great leader but they had no luck and the man who was behind nonviolence died at the age of 39. After his death was announced riots broke out all over the country. Thirty-nine people were killed in these riots. A few days after Martin’s death there was a 30.06-caliber rifle found nearby. The police thought it was the gun that killed Martin.
The reason Martin was in Memphis in the first place is because Martin was organizing the Poor People's Campaign, to support a strike of black garbage workers. His funeral was held in Atlanta at Ebenezer Baptist Church over 100,000 people attended. He told many people that he wouldn’t live to be forty years old and he was sadly correct. His death had produced immediate shock and the great leader was now gone. The man who had once made words into extraordinary pieces of art would never be forgotten.
To this day we celebrate what the great Martin Luther King, Jr. did. Not only do we have an amazing monument dedicated to him in our nation’s capital, but we have dedicated a whole day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, to honor him.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TeDl0xHX8G3YW6dw0q1vEEvDO7aNmtOG8XgFZll9aK4/edit
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TeDl0xHX8G3YW6dw0q1vEEvDO7aNmtOG8XgFZll9aK4/edit
Assassination (M.P. and M.S.)
Martin Luther King Jr. was was an American pastor, activist, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the civil rights movement as a leader who taught his followers to fight with words, and not violence. He traveled the country giving many famous speeches, including the “ I Have A Dream” speech. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated on April 4, 1968 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 39 years old, and still had a long life ahead of him.
Before Thoughts of MLK
Preceding MLK’s assassination, he had given an unusual speech about the many death threats he had received. He was always a bit late to his meetings and get togethers to be safe from danger. Because of all the threats against his life, he did not think he would live until his 40’s and he died at the age of 39. On top of that MLK was very saddened, or depressed from the stress of being the civil rights leader. “In his last year, he was very depressed, a personality change noted by dozens of friends” (Nassir). Many recommended therapy but he felt it was not needed.
Preceding MLK’s assassination, he had given an unusual speech about the many death threats he had received. He was always a bit late to his meetings and get togethers to be safe from danger. Because of all the threats against his life, he did not think he would live until his 40’s and he died at the age of 39. On top of that MLK was very saddened, or depressed from the stress of being the civil rights leader. “In his last year, he was very depressed, a personality change noted by dozens of friends” (Nassir). Many recommended therapy but he felt it was not needed.
Views on The Assassination
The death of Martin Luther King Jr furiated many. Many people in many cities lashed out against the government to show their anger about his assassination. Rioting engulfed more than one hundred cities, causing thirty-nine deaths and 45 million dollars worth of damage. “Almost immediately after the announcement of the King’s death violence broke out across the Nation. The deep grief and great outrage of many turned into rioting, looting, and violence. In Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Memphis, and Washington D.C, the army or the national guard had to be called out to quell the angry crowd” (Haskins).
The death of Martin Luther King Jr furiated many. Many people in many cities lashed out against the government to show their anger about his assassination. Rioting engulfed more than one hundred cities, causing thirty-nine deaths and 45 million dollars worth of damage. “Almost immediately after the announcement of the King’s death violence broke out across the Nation. The deep grief and great outrage of many turned into rioting, looting, and violence. In Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Memphis, and Washington D.C, the army or the national guard had to be called out to quell the angry crowd” (Haskins).
Who was Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassin?
Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated by James Earl Ray. James Earl Ray, a 40-year-old armed robber who had escaped from the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, Mo., on April 23, 1967, was found guilty on March 10, 1969, in Shelby County, Tennessee. He admitted to being the assassin of Dr. King, and was sentenced to 99 years at the State penitentiary. At the scene of the assassination, James Earl Ray fled immediately because he did not want to be caught. The manhunt for James Earl Ray lasted for more than 3 months after the assassination. “A package was dumped close to the site that included a rifle and binoculars with Ray's fingerprints on them. The rifle had been purchased by Ray under an alias six days before. A worldwide manhunt was triggered that culminated in the arrest of Ray at London Heathrow Airport three months later” (Wikipedia). He was found in London on July 19th, 1868 and was sent back to Memphis to be put on trial. James Earl Ray died in prison on April 23, 1998, at the age of 70.
Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated by James Earl Ray. James Earl Ray, a 40-year-old armed robber who had escaped from the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, Mo., on April 23, 1967, was found guilty on March 10, 1969, in Shelby County, Tennessee. He admitted to being the assassin of Dr. King, and was sentenced to 99 years at the State penitentiary. At the scene of the assassination, James Earl Ray fled immediately because he did not want to be caught. The manhunt for James Earl Ray lasted for more than 3 months after the assassination. “A package was dumped close to the site that included a rifle and binoculars with Ray's fingerprints on them. The rifle had been purchased by Ray under an alias six days before. A worldwide manhunt was triggered that culminated in the arrest of Ray at London Heathrow Airport three months later” (Wikipedia). He was found in London on July 19th, 1868 and was sent back to Memphis to be put on trial. James Earl Ray died in prison on April 23, 1998, at the age of 70.
Eyewitnesses at the Scene of the Assassination
Martin Luther King Jr was surrounded by his closest friends on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Many of them were taken by surprise when he first got shot because it was very unexpected. One of his very close friends, Ralph Abernathy, was a witness of this situation. “And I looked, jumped, I looked. And I saw him lying on the cold floor of that terrace. And I made my way to him and picked up his head and patted his cheek, the side that the bullet did not enter. And assured him that ‘it will be alright, Martin. It will be alright. Don’t worry” (Abernathy). Ralph also said that he thought when the king would die, he would die because they were always together. Many others who witnessed this assassination have been scarred for life because it was so heart breaking to see such an important figure to the United States, wounded.
Martin Luther King Jr was surrounded by his closest friends on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Many of them were taken by surprise when he first got shot because it was very unexpected. One of his very close friends, Ralph Abernathy, was a witness of this situation. “And I looked, jumped, I looked. And I saw him lying on the cold floor of that terrace. And I made my way to him and picked up his head and patted his cheek, the side that the bullet did not enter. And assured him that ‘it will be alright, Martin. It will be alright. Don’t worry” (Abernathy). Ralph also said that he thought when the king would die, he would die because they were always together. Many others who witnessed this assassination have been scarred for life because it was so heart breaking to see such an important figure to the United States, wounded.
The Bullet’s Effect
MLK was at the age of 39 when he was assassinated. The bullet sounded like a firecracker and it hit him so hard he fell over from the force. He was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital, where the doctors opened his chest and performed Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He didn't gain consciousness after the operation. On that evening at 7:05 pm, the beloved King was pronounced dead. “Shortly after Dr. King was pronounced dead, his body was taken from St. Joseph Hospital to Gaston Hospital, where an autopsy was performed by Dr. Jerry T. Francisco, the Shelby County medical examiner. He concluded that Dr. King's death was the result of a single gunshot wound to the chin and neck with a total transaction of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord and other structures of the neck”(“Dr. King Was Killed").
MLK was at the age of 39 when he was assassinated. The bullet sounded like a firecracker and it hit him so hard he fell over from the force. He was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital, where the doctors opened his chest and performed Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He didn't gain consciousness after the operation. On that evening at 7:05 pm, the beloved King was pronounced dead. “Shortly after Dr. King was pronounced dead, his body was taken from St. Joseph Hospital to Gaston Hospital, where an autopsy was performed by Dr. Jerry T. Francisco, the Shelby County medical examiner. He concluded that Dr. King's death was the result of a single gunshot wound to the chin and neck with a total transaction of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord and other structures of the neck”(“Dr. King Was Killed").
In conclusion, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. affected many. He was a very important figure to the Civil Rights Movement, and changed the view of racial diversity forever. He taught the importance of fighting back with no violence, and how it can benefit the nation. Recently in Washington, D.C a beautiful Martin Luther King Jr. memorial has been put up. Many have visited the memorial, and many have yet to visit it. Many citizens in the U.S go to pay their respects, and to recognize his greatness. Martin Luther King Jr will always be remembered, and his legacy will live on forever.
Sources
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13_0tdpW16tvwvLB6LCdtqx82-KjHHDIeeQyAEXgldnU/edit?usp=sharing
Sources
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13_0tdpW16tvwvLB6LCdtqx82-KjHHDIeeQyAEXgldnU/edit?usp=sharing