memphis trip pt 1

By Davina Morrisyourviews@gvmedia.co.uk

BIRTHPLACE OF theblues and home ofthe late ‘King ofRock and Roll’, ElvisPresley, Memphisboasts a rich musi-cal history. But, forthose who call theAmerican southerncity home, it alsoholds historical significance as theplace where, in1968 civil rightsleader, Dr MartinLuther King Jr. wasassassinated.

Forty years on,Memphians recog-nised Martin LutherKing Day (a USnational holiday since1983) with a celebra-tion of his life – at the

spot that marks hisdeath. The Lorraine

Motel, where King wasshot as he stood on the

hotel balcony, is now thesite of the National Civil

Rights Museum, whichopened in 1991.Despite the freezing tempera-

tures, hundreds of Americans –mostly, but not exclusively, black

– queued outside the venue wait-ing to experience the powerfuland moving gallery.

Exhibits included details ofearly slave revolts, bus boycottsand protest marches. The museumalso featured a hotel room, re-created to look like room 306 ofthe Lorraine Motel. Dr. Kingshared this room with his friendand colleague, Reverand RalphAbernathy, before he was assassi-nated on the balcony, right outside on April 4.

After King’s death, Abernathysaid that on trips to Memphis, heand King stayed in that room sooften it was dubbed the ‘King-Abernathy suite’.

Outside the museum, a lively

band got the crowd in celebratoryspirit, with renditions of reggaeclassics, including Bob Marley’sWaiting in Vain. I’d never associ-ated Martin Luther King with reg-gae, but the musical vibes wentdown a treat for the occasion.

It was particularly inspiring tosee so many parents in atten-dance with their children, makingan effort to educate them abouttheir history. One young boy waswearing a sign that said: ‘I wantto be a man’. This was clearlyinspired by the placards held bymany civil rights fighters, whichdisplayed the famous slogan, ‘Iam a man’.

Political campaigners alsomade use of the occasion, with

NEWS8 MMaarrcchh 33 -- 99,, 22000088

Remembering ourKing in Memphis

City where Dr Martin Luther King wasassassinated is alive with southern spirit

PROUD: A young boyis inspired by history

POWERFUL: Manyare moved by the

museum’s exhibitsSLAIN: Dr King was assassinated onthe balcony of the Lorraine Motel

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