The Assassination of an American Hero

Forty years ago (April 4, 1968) Martin Luther King, Jr., the great civil rights champion, was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee by James Earl Ray. Dr. King was in Memphis to support the cause of black sanitary public works employees. Their union, AFSCME Local 1733, had been on strike since March 12 for higher wages and better treatment.

Ironically, the day before his death, Dr. King gave a speech that some say presaged his death:

"And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will."

"And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

Assign students to write a report of about 200 words, using at least three of the resources found through this pathfinder:

Click Topics tab > African-American Civil Rights Movement > Martin Luther King Jr. Assassinated

Student's reports should address the examples below of essential questions for critical thinking (teachers may want to add or substitute their own):

• What was Dr. King doing in Memphis, Tennessee?
  
  
• Who were his companions and why did they accompany him?
  
  
• What motives were there for killing Dr. King?
  
  
• Was there any evidence of a conspiracy?
  
  
• What was the reaction to Dr. King's murder? From whites? From blacks?Internationally?
  
  
• What evolved out of the non-violent civil rights movement created by Dr. King?

Don't miss our written report model or PowerPoint presentation aides (model 1 or 2.)

PowerPoint reports are a recommended alternative way for students to express their knowledge and reasoned opinion--limit: three minutes. This method provides students with an opportunity to share with their peers. It also provides an opportunity for students to be questioned to validate their research and limit plagiarism--limit of two questions. It also helps students to develop standards-based language arts presentation skills.