Memphis has undoubtedly been touched by some of the best of mankind, but has also experienced a deep tragedy that continues to shape our community’s identity. Our nation was forever changed on April 4, 1968 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, just one day after he gave his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech that moved the hearts and souls of all those at the Mason Temple Church. Now, 50 years later, the eyes of an entire nation will turn to our community as we honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and strive to inspire mankind to realize Dr. King’s dream of freedom and equality for all.
Leading up to the 50th anniversary, the National Civil Rights Museum will kindle a fire in the soul of our city to unite under Dr. King’s powerful vision. Here, you’ll witness the history behind the movement that endlessly changed the course of not only our country, but our world. The museum, its partner organizations and civil rights leaders across the nation have created a yearlong initiative called “MLK50 – Where Do We Go From Here?” to ignite a passion for change. Join us for the powerful moment in time to honor our history, recognize our present, and believe in our future. Together, we can empower everyone to become the doers, dreamers and believers they were born to be.
Memphis remembers
Dr. King’s mission is a flame that never burns out in the hearts of Memphians, and we invite you to help keep that flame lit by taking in part in these events:
- The MLK50: Where Do We Go From Here? Symposium will host a legal discussion at the University of Memphis’ Cecil B. Humphreys School of Law. This will be followed by a discussion of our progress as a nation at the National Civil Rights Museum, which is located at the former Lorraine Hotel.
- An Evening of Storytelling reception on April 4 will feature human rights icons both past and present, along with stories of adversity, hope, and peace from future history-makers.
- At the 50th Anniversary Commemoration on April 4, those who walked with Dr. King will share their stories and memories. Iconic leaders of the human rights movement will also be present.
For content celebrating MLK50, please see below:
- Issues and Innovators: Remembering Dr. King 50 years later
- Issues and Innovators: City Planning
- Issues and Innovators: The Way Forward
- Church Health Helps Build MLK’s ‘Beloved Community’
- MLK50 Symposium: Where do we go from here?
- 50 miles to Memphis: A march to remember
- Civil rights icons and leaders tell all through storytelling
- Memphis’ Longest Serving Public Educator on MLK50
- 50th Anniversary Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Orchestra pays tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
