Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with his family *AP

50 Years Since the Death of 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. King was struck down by an assassin’s bullet. He was there in support of the Black Sanitation Workers who were on strike for unequal treatment for the same work of their white counterparts.

In my opinion, there is not one leader today that can come close to stepping into the shoes of Dr. King.

The reason that I chose to show a picture of Dr. King with his wife, Coretta and their children is because at that time, the family unit was very important and truthfully it should be even more important in these times.

All Dr. King wanted is for everyone was for everyone to be respected regardless of their economic position in life. Just because you are rich does not make you better than someone who is poor. Most people want the same respect shown to them that they’ve given to you. It shouldn’t be that hard.

Dr. King was a man for all seasons. When he spoke, he didn’t show animosity towards any particular group because he knew there were individuals in every ethnic group who stood with him. Some of those people led comfortable lives and knew they would be ostracized if they marched with or supported Dr. King in his efforts for racial and economic equality for all.

Contrary to popular belief, we have come a long way. Today, those who march for whatever cause have the upper hand. You can march in the streets, even insult (and throw objects) at police officers who are there to protect them. Dr. King would never have condoned that behavior. What a sharp contrast from then and now. Look at what Dr. King and the marchers had to encounter with insults and objects being thrown at them.

When I think of Dr. King, I see dignity, peace, and yet a fiery conviction when he spoke about the unification of those from  all faiths, creeds, and color. 

A few years later after Dr. King’s death, Bobby Kennedy was also assassinated. After that happened, in many homes you would see a portrait of three men together: President John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. and Robert Kennedy. Diverse backgrounds, but unified in their hope of equality for all. C.M.

Dr. Martin Luther King with Rev. Ralph Abernathy (R) & Bishop Julian Smith (L) marching with Sanitation Workers, 3/28/68 *AP