-
Dr. King is assassinated
Apr 04, 1968
Dr. King is mortally wounded on the balcony of room 306 at the Lorraine Motel at 6:01 pm, and is pronounced dead at 7:05 pm at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Riots erupt throughout the country as news of his death spreads.
-
I’ve Been to the Mountaintop
Apr 03, 1968
Dr. King returns to Memphis. Despite feeling ill, he attends a rally at Mason Temple where he delivers his final sermon “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”
-
2 Sanitation Workers are killed
Feb 01, 1968
In Memphis, Tennessee two sanitation workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker, are crushed in the rear of a malfunctioning garbage truck.
-
The strike begins
Feb 12, 1968
Memphis sanitation and public works employees go on strike until they receive decent living wage and safe working conditions. They also demand the recognition of their humanity and dignity by wearing “I Am a Man” signs.
-
Dr. King marches in Memphis
Mar 28, 1968
Dr. King leads a march supporting the sanitation workers in downtown Memphis. Violence erupts during the march, and Dr. King is rushed from the scene. Dr. King vows to return to Memphis lead a peaceful march.