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Martin Luther King remembered across US: 'The pain just won't go away' – live Martin Luther King remembered across US: 'The pain just won't go away' – live
(about 1 hour later)
This is Julia Carrie Wong taking over our live coverage from Amanda Holpuch.
Reverend Jesse Jackson just spoke from the balcony of the Lorraine Motel where King was killed – and where Jackson was photographed with the civil rights leader shortly before the assassination.
“It’s a bit difficult standing here today,” the 76 year-old said. “Every time the scab comes off the sore is still raw, the blood still oozes. This is the site of the crucifixion.”
Jackson shared his recollection of the events leading up to King’s trip to Memphis, stating that the invitation to visit Memphis in support of the sanitation workers helped reinvigorate King after a period of depression.
“From this balcony, we decided we would not let one bullet kill a movement,” Jackson said. “In 40 years, we went from the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel to the balcony of the White House. We never stopped fighting.”
Jackson invoked the story of Easter in his speech and said that King lives on through continued struggles for justice. “When those children marched last week saying ‘Ban assault weapons’, he’s alive,” Jackson said.
“No American president has the stature of Martin Luther King,” Jackson added. “He stands above all.”
The Guardian’s Jamiles Lartey has spent the day at the rally and march in Memphis to commemorate King’s death.The Guardian’s Jamiles Lartey has spent the day at the rally and march in Memphis to commemorate King’s death.
The I AM march brought together a diverse coalition of marchers through Memphis, where King travelled in 1968 to assist striking members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). He was assassinated at the city’s Lorraine Motel on his second visit to the strikers.The I AM march brought together a diverse coalition of marchers through Memphis, where King travelled in 1968 to assist striking members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). He was assassinated at the city’s Lorraine Motel on his second visit to the strikers.
Near the head of the march, King’s son, Martin III locked arms with Reverend Al Sharpton and Lee Saunders, AFSCME president. Nearby, some sang standby protest songs from the civil rights era, including We Shall Overcome.Near the head of the march, King’s son, Martin III locked arms with Reverend Al Sharpton and Lee Saunders, AFSCME president. Nearby, some sang standby protest songs from the civil rights era, including We Shall Overcome.
A few yards back, younger protesters who affiliated themselves with Black Lives Matter chanted “no justice, no peace.” They said they were marching to protest the deaths of young black men at the hands of law enforcement.A few yards back, younger protesters who affiliated themselves with Black Lives Matter chanted “no justice, no peace.” They said they were marching to protest the deaths of young black men at the hands of law enforcement.
“I’m here for Stephon Clark,” said marcher Tiffany Evans, referring to the unarmed black man shot by Sacramento police last month. Evans travelled from Mississippi for the commemoration.“I’m here for Stephon Clark,” said marcher Tiffany Evans, referring to the unarmed black man shot by Sacramento police last month. Evans travelled from Mississippi for the commemoration.
They're getting ready to step off here in Memphis to the tune of the Isley Brothers "Fight the Power". pic.twitter.com/Ax8M1AwywrThey're getting ready to step off here in Memphis to the tune of the Isley Brothers "Fight the Power". pic.twitter.com/Ax8M1Awywr
Most of the protesters were either union members or friends and family of union members, including Theone Hillard who came from New Orleans with her husband and son in support of the UNITE HERE, which primarily represents hospitality workers. “I’m here for the people who get paid the least amount of money, and get the least appreciation,” she said.Most of the protesters were either union members or friends and family of union members, including Theone Hillard who came from New Orleans with her husband and son in support of the UNITE HERE, which primarily represents hospitality workers. “I’m here for the people who get paid the least amount of money, and get the least appreciation,” she said.
Hillard, a registered nurse, said the march made her want to get more engaged with organized labor moving forward. “I think all working people should have a union, because companies don’t always treat you like they should,” she said.Hillard, a registered nurse, said the march made her want to get more engaged with organized labor moving forward. “I think all working people should have a union, because companies don’t always treat you like they should,” she said.
David Woods, a member of the BCTGM (Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union) said one of the reasons he marched is because what union workers were facing 50 years ago compared to now hasn’t changed very much. “What we’re facing today is still corporate greed and the woking man is only going to have a voice if we stand up and rise together,” he said.David Woods, a member of the BCTGM (Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union) said one of the reasons he marched is because what union workers were facing 50 years ago compared to now hasn’t changed very much. “What we’re facing today is still corporate greed and the woking man is only going to have a voice if we stand up and rise together,” he said.
As the march pulled toward its end point, rounding the corner past a Checkers burger restaurant, the faint strains of the Trinity inspirational choir suddenly became audible. Marchers poured into an open field across from a Memphis High School to hear addresses from King III, Sharpton and other activists and clergy members. “50 years later, we’re not here to mourn, we’re here to recommit,” Sharpton said. “We’re here to let this nation know that Dr King didn’t die in vain... You may have taken the dreamer but you will not take the dream. We will march on!”As the march pulled toward its end point, rounding the corner past a Checkers burger restaurant, the faint strains of the Trinity inspirational choir suddenly became audible. Marchers poured into an open field across from a Memphis High School to hear addresses from King III, Sharpton and other activists and clergy members. “50 years later, we’re not here to mourn, we’re here to recommit,” Sharpton said. “We’re here to let this nation know that Dr King didn’t die in vain... You may have taken the dreamer but you will not take the dream. We will march on!”
The King Center, a nonprofit established by Coretta Scott King, is today highlighting King’s speeches where he challenges the structures of power and how to respond to injustices.The King Center, a nonprofit established by Coretta Scott King, is today highlighting King’s speeches where he challenges the structures of power and how to respond to injustices.
One of those speeches is The Other America:One of those speeches is The Other America:
But we must see that the struggle today is much more difficult. It’s more difficult today because we are struggling now for genuine equality. It’s much easier to integrate a lunch counter than it is to guarantee a livable income and a good solid job. It’s much easier to guarantee the right to vote than it is to guarantee the right to live in sanitary, decent housing conditions. It is much easier to integrate a public park than it is to make genuine, quality, integrated education a reality. And so today we are struggling for something which says we demand genuine equality.But we must see that the struggle today is much more difficult. It’s more difficult today because we are struggling now for genuine equality. It’s much easier to integrate a lunch counter than it is to guarantee a livable income and a good solid job. It’s much easier to guarantee the right to vote than it is to guarantee the right to live in sanitary, decent housing conditions. It is much easier to integrate a public park than it is to make genuine, quality, integrated education a reality. And so today we are struggling for something which says we demand genuine equality.
Longtime civil rights activist Bernard Lafayette was staying at the Lorraine Motel with King in 1968. At the rally, he was interviewed on stage, just in front of the rooms the two activists stayed in.Longtime civil rights activist Bernard Lafayette was staying at the Lorraine Motel with King in 1968. At the rally, he was interviewed on stage, just in front of the rooms the two activists stayed in.
Lafayette said King told him: “Now Lafayette, the next movement we’re going to have is to internationalize and institutionalize non-violence.”Lafayette said King told him: “Now Lafayette, the next movement we’re going to have is to internationalize and institutionalize non-violence.”
Lafayette explained that King wanted there to be an international movement of poor people using official non-violence training.Lafayette explained that King wanted there to be an international movement of poor people using official non-violence training.
Lafayette told Reuters in 2009 that he had trained and certified more than 20,000 people in King’s six principles of nonviolence. He had also help set up 22 nonviolence centers in poor parts of the US and countries including Palestine and Nigeria.Lafayette told Reuters in 2009 that he had trained and certified more than 20,000 people in King’s six principles of nonviolence. He had also help set up 22 nonviolence centers in poor parts of the US and countries including Palestine and Nigeria.
Historian Hasan Kwame Jeffries, an advisor to the National Civil Rights Museum, just took the stage.Historian Hasan Kwame Jeffries, an advisor to the National Civil Rights Museum, just took the stage.
Jeffries began by reciting Carl Wendell Hines Jr’s poem A dead man’s dream:Jeffries began by reciting Carl Wendell Hines Jr’s poem A dead man’s dream:
Dead men make such convenient heroes.Dead men make such convenient heroes.
For they cannot rise to challenge the imagesFor they cannot rise to challenge the images
That we might fashion from their lives.That we might fashion from their lives.
It is easier to build monumentsIt is easier to build monuments
Than to build a better world.Than to build a better world.
He, like other speakers before him, spoke about the parts of King’s legacy that are discussed less frequently, like his campaign against poverty, militarism and white supremacy. He said those issues are not commonly talked about, “in the interest of making him more palatable for some.”He, like other speakers before him, spoke about the parts of King’s legacy that are discussed less frequently, like his campaign against poverty, militarism and white supremacy. He said those issues are not commonly talked about, “in the interest of making him more palatable for some.”
“Some people would have us believe Dr King would be appalled by the young people organizing,” Jeffries said, referring to Black Lives Matter and March For Our Lives protests that have occurred across the country in the nation. Jeffries said Dr King would have supported these demonstrations.“Some people would have us believe Dr King would be appalled by the young people organizing,” Jeffries said, referring to Black Lives Matter and March For Our Lives protests that have occurred across the country in the nation. Jeffries said Dr King would have supported these demonstrations.
“The time has come for truth-telling,” he said. “And we all have a role to play in that.”“The time has come for truth-telling,” he said. “And we all have a role to play in that.”
More from Jeffries here:More from Jeffries here:
He was pilloried by liberals for not knowing his place – “stick to #civilrights,” they said – and he was excoriated by southern segregationists and northern #lawandorder conservatives for being a radical.@ProfJeffries on The Assassination of #MLK (https://t.co/9o3gopwfTT) pic.twitter.com/QzMdf503YHHe was pilloried by liberals for not knowing his place – “stick to #civilrights,” they said – and he was excoriated by southern segregationists and northern #lawandorder conservatives for being a radical.@ProfJeffries on The Assassination of #MLK (https://t.co/9o3gopwfTT) pic.twitter.com/QzMdf503YH
The Guardian’s editor-at-large, Gary Younge, wrote about how when King died in 1968, he was “well on the way to becoming a pariah.”The Guardian’s editor-at-large, Gary Younge, wrote about how when King died in 1968, he was “well on the way to becoming a pariah.”
In 1966, twice as many Americans had an unfavourable opinion of him as a favourable one. Life magazine branded his anti-Vietnam war speech at the Riverside church, delivered exactly a year before his assassination, as “demagogic slander”, and “a script for Radio Hanoi”. Just a week before he was killed, he attended a demonstration in Memphis in support of striking garbage workers. The protest turned violent and police responded with batons and teargas, shooting a 16-year-old boy dead. The press and the political class rounded on King. The New York Times said the events were “a powerful embarrassment” to him. A column in the Dallas Morning News called King “the headline-hunting high priest of nonviolent violence” whose “road show” in Memphis was “like a torchbearer sprinting into a powder-house”. The Providence Sunday Journal called him “reckless and irresponsible”. He was back in Memphis supporting the strike when he was killed.In 1966, twice as many Americans had an unfavourable opinion of him as a favourable one. Life magazine branded his anti-Vietnam war speech at the Riverside church, delivered exactly a year before his assassination, as “demagogic slander”, and “a script for Radio Hanoi”. Just a week before he was killed, he attended a demonstration in Memphis in support of striking garbage workers. The protest turned violent and police responded with batons and teargas, shooting a 16-year-old boy dead. The press and the political class rounded on King. The New York Times said the events were “a powerful embarrassment” to him. A column in the Dallas Morning News called King “the headline-hunting high priest of nonviolent violence” whose “road show” in Memphis was “like a torchbearer sprinting into a powder-house”. The Providence Sunday Journal called him “reckless and irresponsible”. He was back in Memphis supporting the strike when he was killed.
This was the last time King received national coverage when he was alive, and so he died a polarising and increasingly isolated figure. Just six days after his death, the Virginia congressman William Tuck blamed King for his own murder, telling the House of Representatives that King “fomented discord and strife between the races … He who sows the seed of sin shall reap and harvest a whirlwind of evil.”This was the last time King received national coverage when he was alive, and so he died a polarising and increasingly isolated figure. Just six days after his death, the Virginia congressman William Tuck blamed King for his own murder, telling the House of Representatives that King “fomented discord and strife between the races … He who sows the seed of sin shall reap and harvest a whirlwind of evil.”
But in the intervening decades, the mud slung at him has been cleaned off and his legacy shined to make him resemble a national treasure. In the two years before his death, he did not appear in the Top 10 of Gallup’s poll of most admired men of the year. In 1999, a Gallup poll of the most admired people of the century placed him second behind Mother Teresa. In 2011, King’s memorial was opened on the National Mall in Washington DC, with a 30ft statue sitting on four acres of prime historic real estate: 91% of Americans (including 89% of white people) approved. Even Donald Trump has thus far refrained from besmirching his legacy, hailing just a few months ago King’s “legacy of equality, justice and freedom”.But in the intervening decades, the mud slung at him has been cleaned off and his legacy shined to make him resemble a national treasure. In the two years before his death, he did not appear in the Top 10 of Gallup’s poll of most admired men of the year. In 1999, a Gallup poll of the most admired people of the century placed him second behind Mother Teresa. In 2011, King’s memorial was opened on the National Mall in Washington DC, with a 30ft statue sitting on four acres of prime historic real estate: 91% of Americans (including 89% of white people) approved. Even Donald Trump has thus far refrained from besmirching his legacy, hailing just a few months ago King’s “legacy of equality, justice and freedom”.
US congresswoman Barbara Lee, a Democrat from California, just concluded speaking at the Lorraine Motel.US congresswoman Barbara Lee, a Democrat from California, just concluded speaking at the Lorraine Motel.
Lee is best known for being the only person in Congress to vote against the Afghanistan war.Lee is best known for being the only person in Congress to vote against the Afghanistan war.
Seventeen years after being the lone dissenting voice in that Congressional vote, Lee maintained her opposition to the authorization, and more broadly towards militarism and war.Seventeen years after being the lone dissenting voice in that Congressional vote, Lee maintained her opposition to the authorization, and more broadly towards militarism and war.
“It was a blank check,” Lee said of the authorization bill. “It set the stage for perpetual war.”“It was a blank check,” Lee said of the authorization bill. “It set the stage for perpetual war.”
“We must bring these forever wars to an end in Dr King’s name,” Lee said.“We must bring these forever wars to an end in Dr King’s name,” Lee said.
She then quoted from a 1967 King speech about the Vietnam War, which he opposed: “The bombs in Vietnam explode at home. They destroy the hopes and possibilities for a decent America.”She then quoted from a 1967 King speech about the Vietnam War, which he opposed: “The bombs in Vietnam explode at home. They destroy the hopes and possibilities for a decent America.”
The rally in Memphis is underway and scheduled speakers include 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, five members of the of the congressional Black caucus, members of clergy and leadership from most of the major American unions.The rally in Memphis is underway and scheduled speakers include 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, five members of the of the congressional Black caucus, members of clergy and leadership from most of the major American unions.
They're singing "We shall overcome" and "Lift Every Voice" at the front of the #IAm2018 March. #MLK50. A few rows back MLK III is walking arms linked with Al Sharpton and AFSCME president Lee Saunders. pic.twitter.com/YmnJdYu5jrThey're singing "We shall overcome" and "Lift Every Voice" at the front of the #IAm2018 March. #MLK50. A few rows back MLK III is walking arms linked with Al Sharpton and AFSCME president Lee Saunders. pic.twitter.com/YmnJdYu5jr
Sanitation workers introduced to crowd as heroes #MLK50 pic.twitter.com/2gF9rg8XU6Sanitation workers introduced to crowd as heroes #MLK50 pic.twitter.com/2gF9rg8XU6
Aside from the rally and march, the city of Memphis is virtually shut down for various commemoration events that are happening all over the city. The National Civil Rights Museum, which was built within the Lorraine Motel, where King died, is hosting an all-day gathering with performances, speeches and an “evening of storytelling”.Aside from the rally and march, the city of Memphis is virtually shut down for various commemoration events that are happening all over the city. The National Civil Rights Museum, which was built within the Lorraine Motel, where King died, is hosting an all-day gathering with performances, speeches and an “evening of storytelling”.
The activist Jesse Jackson, who was with King on the evening he was killed, is scheduled to be in attendance, as is the Atlanta congressman John Lewis, who spoke at King’s 1963 march on Washington, when the civil rights leader gave his I Have A Dream speech.The activist Jesse Jackson, who was with King on the evening he was killed, is scheduled to be in attendance, as is the Atlanta congressman John Lewis, who spoke at King’s 1963 march on Washington, when the civil rights leader gave his I Have A Dream speech.
The Guardian’s opinion desk this morning published an abridged version of King’s 1968 essay calling for an economic bill of rights.The Guardian’s opinion desk this morning published an abridged version of King’s 1968 essay calling for an economic bill of rights.
We need this movement. We need it to bring about a new kind of togetherness between blacks and whites. We need it to bring allies together and to bring the coalition of conscience together.We need this movement. We need it to bring about a new kind of togetherness between blacks and whites. We need it to bring allies together and to bring the coalition of conscience together.
I think we have come to the point where there is no longer a choice now between non-violence and riots. It must be militant, massive non-violence, or riots.I think we have come to the point where there is no longer a choice now between non-violence and riots. It must be militant, massive non-violence, or riots.
The discontent is so deep, the anger so ingrained, the despair, the restlessness so wide, that something has to be brought into being to serve as a channel through which these deep emotional feelings, these deep angry feelings, can be funneled.The discontent is so deep, the anger so ingrained, the despair, the restlessness so wide, that something has to be brought into being to serve as a channel through which these deep emotional feelings, these deep angry feelings, can be funneled.
There has to be an outlet, and I see this campaign as a way to transmute the inchoate rage of the ghetto into a constructive and creative channel. It becomes an outlet for anger.There has to be an outlet, and I see this campaign as a way to transmute the inchoate rage of the ghetto into a constructive and creative channel. It becomes an outlet for anger.
Even if I didn’t deal with the moral dimensions and question of violence versus non-violence, from a practical point of view, I don’t see riots working.Even if I didn’t deal with the moral dimensions and question of violence versus non-violence, from a practical point of view, I don’t see riots working.
But I am convinced that if rioting continues, it will strengthen the right wing of the country, and we’ll end up with a kind of rightwing take-over in the cities and a Fascist development, which will be terribly injurious to the whole nation.But I am convinced that if rioting continues, it will strengthen the right wing of the country, and we’ll end up with a kind of rightwing take-over in the cities and a Fascist development, which will be terribly injurious to the whole nation.
To mark the 50th anniversary of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr’s death, activists, lawmakers and journalists have gathered in Memphis to commemorate the event.To mark the 50th anniversary of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr’s death, activists, lawmakers and journalists have gathered in Memphis to commemorate the event.
It’s lunchtime in Memphis and here’s what has happened so far:It’s lunchtime in Memphis and here’s what has happened so far:
• King was in Memphis in April 1968 to support the city’s sanitation workers, who had been on strike for weeks because of how black workers there were treated. Today at 8am local time, a rally began in honor of that strike and King’s legacy. “It’s a great thing for us to commemorate the memory, but what we really have to do is stand together as a group of people and really try to bring the dream to fruition,” said lifelong Memphis resident Ishmail Muhammad• King was in Memphis in April 1968 to support the city’s sanitation workers, who had been on strike for weeks because of how black workers there were treated. Today at 8am local time, a rally began in honor of that strike and King’s legacy. “It’s a great thing for us to commemorate the memory, but what we really have to do is stand together as a group of people and really try to bring the dream to fruition,” said lifelong Memphis resident Ishmail Muhammad
• In Washington DC, people are paying homage to King at his memorial there and at the Lincoln memorial, where he delivered the I Have a Dream speech. “I feel an immense amount of pride and love for the man,” said Ron Meredith, a 38-year-old African American. “It makes me cry when I think what they took from us.”• In Washington DC, people are paying homage to King at his memorial there and at the Lincoln memorial, where he delivered the I Have a Dream speech. “I feel an immense amount of pride and love for the man,” said Ron Meredith, a 38-year-old African American. “It makes me cry when I think what they took from us.”
• Donald Trump provoked ire with a video statement today encouraging people to honor King by re-dedicating themselves to ensuring the freedom from hatred and racism of all Americans. Those angered by these statements felt Trump’s history as a business person and politician challenged King’s commitment to social and economic justice.• Donald Trump provoked ire with a video statement today encouraging people to honor King by re-dedicating themselves to ensuring the freedom from hatred and racism of all Americans. Those angered by these statements felt Trump’s history as a business person and politician challenged King’s commitment to social and economic justice.
Rallies and speeches continue into the afternoon, including a moment of silence to be held at 6:01pm CT to mark the moment King was assassinated.Rallies and speeches continue into the afternoon, including a moment of silence to be held at 6:01pm CT to mark the moment King was assassinated.
The Guardian’s Washington bureau chief, David Smith, visited the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington this morning and spoke to visitors paying homage to the civil rights leader.The Guardian’s Washington bureau chief, David Smith, visited the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington this morning and spoke to visitors paying homage to the civil rights leader.
School trips were taking place at the memorial. Student Tobi Babarinde, 13, from Phoenix, Arizona, and a son of Nigerian immigrants, was impressed by the monument that depicts King emerging from a mountain. “He looks cool,” he said. “He has an intense look.”School trips were taking place at the memorial. Student Tobi Babarinde, 13, from Phoenix, Arizona, and a son of Nigerian immigrants, was impressed by the monument that depicts King emerging from a mountain. “He looks cool,” he said. “He has an intense look.”
King’s view on America in 2018, Babarinde suggested, would be: “It’s better than it was but it still needs some work.”King’s view on America in 2018, Babarinde suggested, would be: “It’s better than it was but it still needs some work.”
Ryan Biggin, 45, visiting with his family from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, mused: “One step forward and several steps backward. I am sure Martin Luther King would still be as vocal on what’s happening today. It would be interesting to see if social media would diminish him or make him more powerful.”Ryan Biggin, 45, visiting with his family from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, mused: “One step forward and several steps backward. I am sure Martin Luther King would still be as vocal on what’s happening today. It would be interesting to see if social media would diminish him or make him more powerful.”
Martin Luther King memorial in Washington, surrounded by cherry blossoms and inscribed with the words ‘Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope’, on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. pic.twitter.com/1RTauIAaeRMartin Luther King memorial in Washington, surrounded by cherry blossoms and inscribed with the words ‘Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope’, on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. pic.twitter.com/1RTauIAaeR
Nearby, at the Lincoln Memorial, tourists paused and took photos at the spot where King delivered his celebrated “I have a dream” speech in 1963. Anna Foust, a mixed race woman born a few weeks after King’s assassination, pointed it out to her daughter, nine-year-old Iliana.Nearby, at the Lincoln Memorial, tourists paused and took photos at the spot where King delivered his celebrated “I have a dream” speech in 1963. Anna Foust, a mixed race woman born a few weeks after King’s assassination, pointed it out to her daughter, nine-year-old Iliana.
Her voice quivering with emotion, she reflected later: “It’s bittersweet because after 50 years our country is still trying to heal from those wounds. We have the foundation of a lot of great things but we have such a lot of work to do, so I do get emotional. Fifty years after his struggle, we’re still having to fight for the same rights.”Her voice quivering with emotion, she reflected later: “It’s bittersweet because after 50 years our country is still trying to heal from those wounds. We have the foundation of a lot of great things but we have such a lot of work to do, so I do get emotional. Fifty years after his struggle, we’re still having to fight for the same rights.”
Foust, 49, an emergency manager from Dayton, Ohio, noted the rise of new movements such as MeToo and said of King: “He would be impressed to see young people shaping the future. He would be sad but hopeful.”Foust, 49, an emergency manager from Dayton, Ohio, noted the rise of new movements such as MeToo and said of King: “He would be impressed to see young people shaping the future. He would be sad but hopeful.”
King’s assassination triggered huge grief and anger in Washington, where racial inequality was entrenched. There was violence and destruction over four days in predominantly African American neighbourhoods such as 14th Street NW, H Street NE and 7th Street NW. It took decades to recover.King’s assassination triggered huge grief and anger in Washington, where racial inequality was entrenched. There was violence and destruction over four days in predominantly African American neighbourhoods such as 14th Street NW, H Street NE and 7th Street NW. It took decades to recover.
Reverend Jesse Jackson and ambassador Andrew Young are the only surviving members of King’s entourage who were with him the day he died. The pair recently met at the Lorraine Motel for the first time since King was assassinated there.Reverend Jesse Jackson and ambassador Andrew Young are the only surviving members of King’s entourage who were with him the day he died. The pair recently met at the Lorraine Motel for the first time since King was assassinated there.
CNN was with the civil rights activists as they returned to the site of their friend’s death.CNN was with the civil rights activists as they returned to the site of their friend’s death.
“It was five minutes before he came up here,” Young told CNN from outside Room 306, the last place King lay his head. “He was acting the most silly and crazy I have ever seen him. I mean, he was laughing, he was joking, he was walking on the bed, swinging pillows at people.”“It was five minutes before he came up here,” Young told CNN from outside Room 306, the last place King lay his head. “He was acting the most silly and crazy I have ever seen him. I mean, he was laughing, he was joking, he was walking on the bed, swinging pillows at people.”
Jackson said being back on the balcony peeled back the scab of “a wound that remains raw.”Jackson said being back on the balcony peeled back the scab of “a wound that remains raw.”
“The thought, the ideas, the pain just won’t go away,” he said during a follow-up interview in Atlanta.“The thought, the ideas, the pain just won’t go away,” he said during a follow-up interview in Atlanta.
Click here for the full piece.Click here for the full piece.
King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, which has since been incorporated into the National Civil Rights Museum.King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, which has since been incorporated into the National Civil Rights Museum.
The first image shows King with his friends on the balcony of the hotel the day before he was assassinated there in 1968. With him is Reverend Jesse Jackson, who is also in the third photo, taken at the hotel this week.The first image shows King with his friends on the balcony of the hotel the day before he was assassinated there in 1968. With him is Reverend Jesse Jackson, who is also in the third photo, taken at the hotel this week.
The second photo shows a museum visitor observing the balcony where King was killed.The second photo shows a museum visitor observing the balcony where King was killed.
The Guardian’s Jamiles Lartey has been in Memphis, Tennessee, reporting on the commemorative events:The Guardian’s Jamiles Lartey has been in Memphis, Tennessee, reporting on the commemorative events:
In the lead up to a march in Memphis, hundreds congregated for a kick-off rally outside the headquarters of the local public employees union.In the lead up to a march in Memphis, hundreds congregated for a kick-off rally outside the headquarters of the local public employees union.
The crowd, largely composed of workers representing various different unions was made up of both native Memphians and people who had traveled from all across the US.The crowd, largely composed of workers representing various different unions was made up of both native Memphians and people who had traveled from all across the US.
Asked what drew him out, lifelong Memphis resident Ishmail Muhammad responded confidently: “The dream”, invoking King’s most famous speech delivered at the Mall on Washington in 1963.Asked what drew him out, lifelong Memphis resident Ishmail Muhammad responded confidently: “The dream”, invoking King’s most famous speech delivered at the Mall on Washington in 1963.
“There’s been some progress,” Muhammad said, “but there’s a lot of things that need to addressed.”“There’s been some progress,” Muhammad said, “but there’s a lot of things that need to addressed.”
Muhammad was about 12-years-old when King was killed and still remembers the day vividly. “I was playing marbles when I found out,” he said.Muhammad was about 12-years-old when King was killed and still remembers the day vividly. “I was playing marbles when I found out,” he said.
“It’s a great thing for us to commemorate the memory, but what we really have to do is stand together as a group of people and really try to bring the dream to fruition,” Muhammad said.“It’s a great thing for us to commemorate the memory, but what we really have to do is stand together as a group of people and really try to bring the dream to fruition,” Muhammad said.
They're wobbling here in Memphis. #MLK50 pic.twitter.com/l6ps5IVdL2They're wobbling here in Memphis. #MLK50 pic.twitter.com/l6ps5IVdL2
Others, like 20-year-old Geraldo Viveros travelled more than 10 hours by bus from Chicago to be in Memphis for the day’s events. “I came here because I want to show that I have rights as a gay man and as a Mexican immigrant,” Viveros said, with a rainbow pride flag draped over his back like a cape.Others, like 20-year-old Geraldo Viveros travelled more than 10 hours by bus from Chicago to be in Memphis for the day’s events. “I came here because I want to show that I have rights as a gay man and as a Mexican immigrant,” Viveros said, with a rainbow pride flag draped over his back like a cape.
Pamela Davidson, a member of the United Auto Workers of America union said the show of union solidarity was for her, overwhelming. “I’m proud we could come together for a man that really gave his life for our civil rights and pulling us together,” Davidson said.Pamela Davidson, a member of the United Auto Workers of America union said the show of union solidarity was for her, overwhelming. “I’m proud we could come together for a man that really gave his life for our civil rights and pulling us together,” Davidson said.
Davidson, who is from Illinois, said UAW have a special connection with King’s legacy, as he first drafted his iconic I Have a Dream Speech at the UAW’s “Solidarity House” headquarters in Detroit. “Dr. King knew that if you didn’t have a good wage, and we did not help people within the workforce, where are we gonna be?”Davidson, who is from Illinois, said UAW have a special connection with King’s legacy, as he first drafted his iconic I Have a Dream Speech at the UAW’s “Solidarity House” headquarters in Detroit. “Dr. King knew that if you didn’t have a good wage, and we did not help people within the workforce, where are we gonna be?”
"Our children need our presence, not our presents." #MLK50 pic.twitter.com/GrzPHkEsvS"Our children need our presence, not our presents." #MLK50 pic.twitter.com/GrzPHkEsvS
Video of the powerful, prophetic speech Martin Luther King made to a packed church in Memphis, Tennessee, on 3 April 1968, just a day before he was assassinated. King called for unity, economic actions, boycotts and non-violent protests, while challenging the US to live up to its ideals. In the speech, he talks about the possibility of an untimely death.Video of the powerful, prophetic speech Martin Luther King made to a packed church in Memphis, Tennessee, on 3 April 1968, just a day before he was assassinated. King called for unity, economic actions, boycotts and non-violent protests, while challenging the US to live up to its ideals. In the speech, he talks about the possibility of an untimely death.
More from the Guardian’s David Smith in Washington DC:More from the Guardian’s David Smith in Washington DC:
At 11.26am more than a hundred people joined Washington mayor Muriel Bowser in a moment of silence at the King memorial, where cherry blossoms blew in the wind.At 11.26am more than a hundred people joined Washington mayor Muriel Bowser in a moment of silence at the King memorial, where cherry blossoms blew in the wind.
Bowser paid tribute to the “extraordinary, incomparable, sorely missed” civil rights leader and vowed to “renew his fight for racial and economic justice”.Bowser paid tribute to the “extraordinary, incomparable, sorely missed” civil rights leader and vowed to “renew his fight for racial and economic justice”.
She said she has to remind students that King was only 39 when he died. “As a young leader, he spoke truth to power. He confronted our nation’s greatest sins head on.”She said she has to remind students that King was only 39 when he died. “As a young leader, he spoke truth to power. He confronted our nation’s greatest sins head on.”
She noted that King was “more controversial” than is now often acknowledged at the time of his death, “tackling economic injustice, tackling a war that he through was unjust”.Washington had been overwhelmed by sadness and anger when news of the assassination broke, Bowser added, resulting in unrest and the burning of buildings. “In some ways we’re still fighting back from the fiery day in 1968.”She noted that King was “more controversial” than is now often acknowledged at the time of his death, “tackling economic injustice, tackling a war that he through was unjust”.Washington had been overwhelmed by sadness and anger when news of the assassination broke, Bowser added, resulting in unrest and the burning of buildings. “In some ways we’re still fighting back from the fiery day in 1968.”
Spot where King delivered his ‘I have a dream’ speech at the Lincoln Memorial. pic.twitter.com/MkMoq0RVeESpot where King delivered his ‘I have a dream’ speech at the Lincoln Memorial. pic.twitter.com/MkMoq0RVeE
Earlier Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents the District of Columbia in Congress, told the seated gathering: “Fifty years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, Americans across our land are trying to put into words what Martin Luther King Jr meant to them. At the time, the civil rights movement was my north star because I was a young student of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.“However, I choose not to ruminate about this day as a mere anniversary. If even then the future, not the past, was what made us a movement, I believe we carry on the King tradition best by focusing on the here and now, as King did as he led the civil rights movement.”Earlier Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents the District of Columbia in Congress, told the seated gathering: “Fifty years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, Americans across our land are trying to put into words what Martin Luther King Jr meant to them. At the time, the civil rights movement was my north star because I was a young student of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.“However, I choose not to ruminate about this day as a mere anniversary. If even then the future, not the past, was what made us a movement, I believe we carry on the King tradition best by focusing on the here and now, as King did as he led the civil rights movement.”
Norton used the moment to put the case for DC becoming the 51st state of the union. “We are part of King’s movement and he is part of ours,” she added.Norton used the moment to put the case for DC becoming the 51st state of the union. “We are part of King’s movement and he is part of ours,” she added.
Speeches are ongoing.Speeches are ongoing.
Donald Trump has followed his proclamation about the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s death with a short video statement to mark the day.Donald Trump has followed his proclamation about the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s death with a short video statement to mark the day.
Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Earlier this year I spoke about Dr. King’s legacy of justice and peace, and his impact on uniting Americans. #MLK50 Proclamation: https://t.co/XXtPO0VX5A pic.twitter.com/SH0esMSyMTToday we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Earlier this year I spoke about Dr. King’s legacy of justice and peace, and his impact on uniting Americans. #MLK50 Proclamation: https://t.co/XXtPO0VX5A pic.twitter.com/SH0esMSyMT
“On this cherished day we honor the memory of Reverend King and we rededicate ourselves to a glorious future, where every American from every walk of life can live free from fear, liberated from hatred and uplifted by boundless love for their fellow citizens,” Trump said.“On this cherished day we honor the memory of Reverend King and we rededicate ourselves to a glorious future, where every American from every walk of life can live free from fear, liberated from hatred and uplifted by boundless love for their fellow citizens,” Trump said.
His comments have provoked anger from those who feel his business history, campaign for the presidency and actions in the White House promote hatred, racism and fear.His comments have provoked anger from those who feel his business history, campaign for the presidency and actions in the White House promote hatred, racism and fear.