My Photo Memorial For MLK Day 2008

[rsmith6621]

Living in Memphis for 9 months last year gave me the opportunity to learn more about MLK. We have come a long ways since his passing but still have a way yet to go.

The images were taken on a day in which I had the Motel and C.R Museum to myself, what an awesome moving moment in my life. I hope you find them moving.


View of the bookstore


Memorial Wreath and plaque.


A try at recreating a famous image that was in Life magazine.

[Liberty Belle]

1. Here's my heart-warming MLK story: 2 of them, actually.

I was in Memphis on MLK day last year for the National Media Reform conference, when Jesse Jackson quoted King and urged that as the press, we should tell the truth and "shine a light in the darkness."
Coming out of the Civil Rights Museum at closing, I heard someone praying. Beneath the balcony in your photo where King was slain, a group of tall men stood beneath umbrellas in the rain. The man leading a prayer lit a candle, then another, until there was a circle of light. They invited my roommate and I to join them. We sand "We shall overcome." then the circle broke up, and the men walked away into the darkness.

"Do you know what just happened here?" a man nearby asked.

"I assumed it was a memorial to Dr. King," I replied.

He shook his head, then told me the truth. The man leading the prayer was Rev. Washington from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Dr. King's organization. "Those two men next to him? They were the leaders of the crips and the bloods. The others are gang members, just out of prison. They just brokered a peace agreement to work together with the city, to get jobs."

A chill went down my spine. I came home and wrote an editorial for my local newspaper, about how King's legacy continues to inspire peaceful resolution of conflicts to this day. By shining the light of truth, I urged my readers to go forward and do the same, for King's words are as true today as in his turbulent era.

My second story is about Vickie Butcher, the Congressional candidate whose campaign I'm managing. When she was a young teen, her mother told all the children to rush to the barbershop nearby, for there was a great man speaking.

The man was Rev. Martin Luther King. He left such an impression on Vickie--an impression of hope and inspiration--that she and her brother decided to challenge a segregated diner in their town. They made a reservation, but when they arrived the owner refused to serve them. But they would not leave. They insisted they had a reservation, were hungry, and wanted to eat. Finally after two hours, he served them cold food. But they savored their victory--years before the Civil Rights Movement was passed.

One person at a time, one act of courage at a time, and we can change America.

[murielm99]

2. He served them cold food,

after two hours.

That reminds me of a story my high school sociology teacher told our class, in 1965.

She had been in the South to visit someone, a family member or friend. She saw one of the lunch counter sit-ins, or at least part of one.

A black man ordered a bowl of chili, or soup of some type. The counterman served him, but the the chili or soup was so highly spiced that the man had tears streaming down his face while he ate. He could barely choke it down. He sat there until he had eaten every bite.

This lady was only twenty-four when she was my teacher. Imagine being that man, or witnessing something like that.

I wonder if the counterman ever came to regret his actions.

[JNelson6563]

4. Great post Liberty Belle!

And good luck with your campaign. I look forward to reading about the election of Congresswoman Butcher. :toast:

Julie

[Liberty Belle]

6. Thanks! She is an amazing woman.

[rsmith6621]

3. Bumping for the AM DUers

..

[Wilms]

5. Thanks.