Who was MLK Jr.?Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American Christian minister and civil rights activist. Dr. King was most famously known for his "I have a dream" speech that he made at the March on Washington in 1963. In his speech, Dr. King expressed his desire for an equal future for our country; one where everybody would be treated equally, no matter their race. He was a symbol and leader of the civil rights movement, until his assassination in 1968. Although he is no longer with us, he is still honored and appreciated for his hard work and advocacy through his remembrance day in February each year.
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The Assassination
The tragedy that ended his life.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. He was standing on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Texas. While standing out on this balcony on the second floor, he was shot by James Earl Ray with a Remington rifle. He was taken to the St. Joseph's Hospital, and died. MLK Jr. had been in Memphis advocating for the rights and improved working conditions for black sanitation workers. Ray's fingerprints were found on the weapon used and he was seen attempting to flee the scene of the crime.
The Verdict & Sentencing
At the trial on March 10, 1969, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. Days later, Ray he tried to withdraw his plea and claimed he was taken advantage of. He told the judge that two years prior, someone named "Raoul" approached him to get him to join a "gunrunning" group. His motion to free him was denied, along with the same requests for the following 29 years. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison. After being moved to the Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility, he developed Hepatitis C and died at the age of 70.