Dr MLK, Jr King Assassination Anniversary

Today is the 43rd anniversary of the April 4, 1968 assassination of the Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, TN. 

I wanted to make sure I wrote a post about the anniversary this year because I'm still a little upset at myself that I didn't do one last year.   But then again I had a lot on my mind  at the time and the winds of change were blowing through my life once again.. 

But back to talking about this day.   Tavis Smiley calls him one of the greatest Americans our people have ever produced.    Well, I can think of a few others in that class such as Frederick Douglass, Dr. Dorothy Height and Justice Thurgood Marshall, but I agree he's probably at the top of that short list.

I've had more than a few things to say on this anniversary, and I'll let you read my commentary on this day in prior years.    

Reflections About A King

April 4 Blues

Dr. King Assassination 41 Years Later


43 years later in this country, while on one hand race relations have improved on some levels, I also believe they have regressed as well thanks to conservative governments more concerned with sowing division in order to promote their political agenda.    They shortsightedly fail to realize that an America that works for everyone is a stronger, better country for all concerned.

Rest in peace Dr. King.  You were taken away from us before 'The Dream' became a reality, but there are people working to ensure that it does come true.

Dr. King Assassination-41 Years Later

Today is the 41st anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis.

I tend to get a little introspective on this day on multiple levels. First because of the historical significance of the event. I think about the man being taken away from us at age 39 and wonder how differently would life in the United States have been if his strong voice reminding us about our moral and ethical responsibilities to each other weren't stilled on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.

I think about what he achieved in his 39 year lifespan and remember to make every day count. I'm also reminded of the fact it's exactly one month before my birthday, and I tend to for the next four weeks take a hard look at where I am in my own life, if I've reached any goals I'd set for myself to achieve in the past year and try not to get depressed if I haven't done so yet.

But back to the drum major for justice.

If Dr. King were around I think he'd be pleased on some levels as to what we've achieved in American society, but on others he'd tell us we have much work to do. I believe that Dr. King would also be critical of megachurches and their 'prosperity gospel', and their reluctance to fulfilling the traditional role of the Black church in standing up for the powerless and speaking truth to power.



This day is also a solemn reminder that fighting for justice and equality for all is not an easy endeavor. Some people like him paid with their lives so that the rest of us, as he said in his 'I've Been To The Mountaintop' sermon, could get one day closer to the Promised Land of achieving 'The Dream'.