MLK in Memphis - A View from the Mountaintop


	This website is provided by WHBQ-TV FOX13 Memphis and MyFoxMemphis.com. Many of the materials provided are courtesy of the National Civil Rights Museum with their expressed permission. To learn more about the museum, please visit their website at: We will be continuously adding new video footage and features to this site, so we encourage you to check back often. We'll be sure to post a notice of new materials right here. We encourage your thoughts & feedback, just click the link below: ++UPDATES++ ::05/05/08:: We just added a new and exciting event taking place in Memphis. Martin Luther King Jr.'s niece will be in town to discuss how to make Memphis a Model City in honor of Dr. King. ::04/07/08:: A huge thanks to all that participated in the King events over the weekend! We have removed the live streaming link from the top of the page, but we will add it back once there is another related event we can carry live on the website. ::04/03/08:: FOX13 will be at the National Civil Rights Museum all day Friday, and you can view all of our coverage by clicking on the "Live Streaming Video" link at the top of the page. Weather permitting, we will have our cameras live from the museum all day. ::03/28/08:: IMAGES GALLERY ADDED: Our partnership with the Shelby County Registers Office has brought us an entirely new section to mlkinmemphis.com. Our images section currently contains photographs obtained from our partnership with The Shelby County Register's Office. Our vistors can click through the images of Bessie Brewer's Rooming House and The Lorraine Motel while zooming in on the photographs and panning to various parts of the images. We hope you enjoy our new section! ::03/05/08:: PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: In attempt to gain more content, we are proud to announce our partnership with the Shelby County Registers Office. We will be gaining photographs from them to include in our timeline. We hope to launch this by the end of the month. To get more information on The Shelby County Registers Office visit our links page. ::03/04/08:: EVENTS UPDATED: March through April events have been added to the site. ::02/11/08:: NEW VIDEO POSTED IN MODERN PLAYER: FOX13's Les Smith talks with civil rights pioneer Dr. Benjamin Hooks about MLK as a man, and icon, but most importantly - as a friend. ::02/05/08:: NEW VIDEO POSTED IN VINTAGE PLAYER: FOX13 made another content sharing partner in a Fox affiliate in Birmingham, AL (WBRC). We have now added video content to visually portray other events leading up to the assasination of King. The clips we have obtained consist of the famous sit-in at the lunch counters, water hoses being turned on students, and the famous King march in Birmingham. We are really grateful for this pairing and oportunity. LINKS PAGE UPDATED: A link was added to go to Fox Birmingham's CIvil Rights Vault page. ::01/29/08:: EVENTS UPDATED NEW VIDEO POSTED IN MODERN PLAYER: Les Smith interviews Bernie Mintz to discuss what he viewed while a photographer during the volatile times surrounding the King assassination. Just click on the Modern Archive, all video is in chronological order. ::01/28/08:: TIMELINE REVISED: Links added to the newspaper headlines of the day. This contains some fascinating articles and expounds on the climate in which the events surrounding the assassination and sanitation strike existed. LINKS PAGE UPDATED: A link was added to The Commercial Appeal's King site. ::01/18/08:: NEW VIDEO POSTED IN MODERN PLAYER: FOX13's Eric King sat down with Reverend Jesse Jackson to talk about the final moments he spent with Dr. King; also, two pieces done by FOX13's Les Smith on the 35th anniversary of Dr. King's death. In the first, Les spoke with the late civil rights photographer Ernest Withers on Dr. King's visit to Memphis, and the second piece is a breakdown of the final hours of Dr. King. Just click on the Modern Archive, all video is in chronological order. ::01/17/08:: After much hard work, the website is launched. We encourage you to continue the experience by attending one of the many events being sponsored by the National Civil Rights Museum: ++EVENTS SECTION++ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Niece to Visit Memphis May 10, 2008 The Future America Basic Research Institute, Inc. is sponsoring a Future Metro Memphis Today Future America Tomorrow New Knowledge Economic Development Forum in Memphis, TN, May 10, 2008, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Center, 485 Beale Street, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Forum is designed to take advantage of Resolutions passed by the Memphis City Council, The Shelby County Commission and the Tennessee State Legislature in a combined effort to establish Memphis as a Model City in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This meeting will begin the process for making whole Dr. King's purpose for being in Memphis in 1968 to bring attention to and meet the needs of the people that, after 40 years, remain unresolved. Featured guests will include Dr. Alveda King of Atlanta, GA, neice of Dr. King, who will hear an Economic Development plan to establish Memphis as a Model City to resurrect the legacy of her Uncle who gave his life for this cause. Co-sponsors of this important initiative include the Labor Union, Memphis Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and Business Organized Self Sufficiency. Tennessee State Representative Larry J. Miller, District 88, has been invited along with other elected officials. Congressman Stephen Cohen of the 9th District, a supporter, will have representation at the Forum. Media, organizations and individual citizens are welcome. Living History January – June, 2008 Call 901-521-9699 for specific days and hours. As visitors tour the permanent exhibition, living history provides historical re-enactments and fictionalized encounters with people, places, and events of the civil rights era. Performances will occur three times a week. Regular admission rates will apply. 381 Days: Montgomery Bus Boycott Story Exhibit Dates: February 7th – April 13th Venue: National Civil Rights Museum Time: Regular admission rates and times will apply Sponsored by: AARP and Ford Motor Company Fund This Smithsonian traveling exhibit will display and bring to life the story behind the bus boycott that started in Montgomery, Alabama. Scholars in Critical Race Studies Conference Date: March 27th -28th Venue: University of Memphis, Fogelman Center Time: 6:00 p.m. Topic: “Global Civil Rights” Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Theo Goldburg Sponsored by: University of Memphis, Marcus Orr Center for the Humanities Major League Baseball Civil Rights Baseball Symposium Date: Friday, March 28th Venue: National Civil Rights Museum Time: 10 a.m. Panel discussion facilitated by Dr. Charles Ogletree, Harvard Law School professor that will feature a variety of baseball legends. Major League Baseball Civil Rights Baseball Game Date: Saturday, March 29th Venue: AutoZone Park Time: 4:00 p.m. The Civil Rights Game featuring the Chicago White Sox vs. New York Mets at AutoZone Park will be followed by a dinner to recognize civil rights pioneers in sports. Special Exhibit: Cornelia Crenshaw’s Car Date: Friday, March 28th – Sunday, March 30th Venue: National Civil Rights Museum, Courtyard Time: Regular admission rates and times will apply Cornelia Crenshaw, local activist, played an integral role in the Sanitation Worker’s Strike and allowed Dr. King to use her Lincoln Continental while he was in Memphis. The car, which has recently been restored, will be on display in the Courtyard. 40th Commemorative Gospel Concert Date: Sunday, March 30th Venue: Saint Andrew AME Church Time: 4:00 p.m. Commemorative concert benefiting the National Civil Rights Museum will feature area gospel legends and congregational choirs from the Memphis community. The Man & The Mission Forum Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Venue: National Civil Rights Museum Time: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Keynote Speakers: Dr. Frank Thomas, Senior Pastor, Mississippi Blvd Christian Church and Dr. Maxine Smith, former Executive Secretary NAACP. Untold Chapters of the Memphis Movement Date: Wednesday, April 2nd Venue: University of Memphis, Rose Theatre Forum One – 10: 00 a.m.: Experience the historical accounts from members of the Memphis States 109 men and women who protested in 1968, went to jail in 1969 and formed the Black Student Association. Forum Two –1:30 p.m.: Hear the behind-the-scenes, untold stories by unsung leaders of the Memphis civil rights movement, including media, militants, and civil rights leaders. Sponsored by: The University of Memphis, Student Government Association, Luther C. McClellan Alumni Chapter, and the Memphis Tourism Education Foundation. Martin Luther King Jr. and Global Civil Rights Date: Wednesday, April 2nd Venue: University of Memphis, Rose Theatre Time: 6:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Angela Davis Sponsored by: Student Activities Council, Honors Program, Black Graduate Students Association, and the Marcus Orr Center for Humanities. The 10th Annual National Convention of the National Action Network (NAN) Date: April 2nd – April 6th, Venue: The Peabody Hotel, Memphis Time: Various times The Reverend Al Sharpton has invited everyone to attend. Among those confirmed to attend are: Myrlie Evers-Williams, Harry Belafonte, comedian Mo’Nique, Michael Baisden, Marc Morial, Shirley Caesar and her band, Earle Graves, Sr., Steve Harvey, Sean Hannity and activists, union leaders, and members of the clergy and community. Call 212 690-3070 for conference information. Sanitation Workers Appreciation Date: Thursday, April 3rd Venue: City Council Chambers, City Hall 125 N Main Time: 11:30 a.m. A tribute honoring the remaining active sanitation workers who marched and protested with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These great leaders will be honored for their life changing stand to declare to the world, “I Am A Man.” Guest Speakers: Jock M. Smith, President, The Cochran Firm and Mayor Willie W. Herenton Sponsored by: The National Civil Rights Museum and the Memphis Tourism Foundation of the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau Beloved Community Academic Symposium Date: Thursday, April 3rd Venue: National Civil Rights Museum Time: 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by: The Beloved Community For more information, contact Teresa Cutts at 516-0593. In Remembrance There Is Life Lecture Date: Thursday, April 3, 2008 Venue: First Congregational Church, 1000 S. Cooper Time: TBA Rev. C.T. Vivian, longtime civil rights activist who marched shoulder-to-shoulder with Dr. King and worked with him as an advisor and strategist, will share his memories of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Cynthia Griggs Fleming, professor at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and civil rights scholar, will join Rev. Vivian to discuss Dr. King’s evolution in philosophy throughout his career. This event is in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum and University of Memphis. April 4th Foundation Symposium for School Children Date: Thursday, April 3rd Venue: Memphis Cook Convention Center Time: 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by: The April 4th Foundation Speakers to include George Curry, Dr. Ben Chavez, Charles Steele, Joseph Lowery and Harry Cash. For more information, contact Cato Walker at 901-255-0725. “What Would Martin Say?” Book Signing Author: Clarence B. Jones Venue: National Civil Rights Museum, Auditorium Date: Thursday, April 3rd Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm Clarence B. Jones, speechwriter and legal advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will premier his book "What Would Martin Say?" at the Museum. Published by Harper Collins, the book includes excerpts of his writings and other documents relating to King. In summing up his sentiments on King’s life, Jones stated in a 2007 interview “Martin Luther King, Jr., in 12 years and 4 months from 1956 to 1968, did more to achieve political, economic, and social justice in America than any other event or person in the previous 400 years.” In Remembrance There Is Life Date: Thursday, April 3rd Venue: National Civil Rights Museum, Courtyard Time: 7:00 p.m. This evening cocktail reception will feature local and national civil rights leaders who will share their stories about Dr. King and their role in history. Speakers will include Clarence Jones, speechwriter and attorney for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Dr. Jerry Francisco, medical examiner at the time of the assassination; Dr. Benjamin Hooks; Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles and former Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris. 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award Date: Friday, April 4th Venue: Pan-Hellenic Building Ballroom, University of Memphis Time: Noon Sponsored by: The University of Memphis African and African-American Studies and the Office of Diversity This award recognizes individuals whose activities exemplify non-violent leadership in the pursuit of social justice and human rights. Beloved Community 40th Commemorative March Date: Friday, April 4th Venue: 485 Beale Street Time: 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by: The Beloved Community and the National Action Network The Beloved Community of Memphis will be joined by Martin Luther King, III and The Reverend Al Sharpton as they, along with thousands, march through Downtown Memphis, concluding at the National Civil Rights Museum. Candle Light Vigil Date: Friday, April 4th Venue: National Civil Rights Museum Time: 5:30 p.m. Vigil will include special guest speakers and performers including Rev. C.T. Vivian, Dr. Cynthia Griggs Fleming, and Philander Smith Concert Choir. Forty lanterns will be lighted by local citizens from diverse backgrounds as a roll call of beneficiaries of the movement and as the names of civil rights figures of the past are read. The lanterns will remain lighted for forty days. April 4th Foundation Commemorative Awards Banquet Date: Friday, April 4th Venue: Memphis Cook Convention Center Time: 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by: The April 4th Foundation This annual event honors some of the pioneers in civil and human rights. This year’s honorees are U.S. Rep. John Lewis, and Harry Belafonte. The banquet’s keynote speaker is Dr. Joseph Lowery and Mistress of Ceremonies is Angela Basset. Tickets are $100.00. For more information, contact Cato Walker at 901-255-0725. Luther C. McClellan Alumni Chapter Honors the Memphis State 109 Date: Saturday, April 5th Venue: Plush Club on Beale Time: 12:45 p.m. . Sponsored by: The University of Memphis Luther C. McClellan Alumni Chapter The Alumni Chapter will host a reunion reception to benefit the chapter’s scholarship fund named in honor of the first University of Memphis African American graduate Nancy Wilson & She Says She Says Date: Saturday April 5th Venue: Cannon Center of the Performing Arts Time: 8:00 p.m. Sponsored by: Cultural Development Foundation of Memphis The renowned & incomparable jazz diva Miss Nancy Wilson is one of the most respected vocalists of our time, with more than 60 albums and 3 Grammy Awards in a musical career that has spanned over 5 decades her style is ageless. Miss Wilson will render an evening of jazz, blues and gospel that will leave you spellbound. Her melodic voice of harmony will be the perfect tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For more information, call Rebecca Edwards at 901-312-9787. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symphony Date: Sunday, April 6th Venue: New Sardis Church 7739 E. Holmes Rd. Time: 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 per person. For more information, contact Rev. LaSimba Gray at 901- 754-3979. SCLC Community Unity Commemorative Worship Service Date: Sunday, April 6th Venue: St. Stephens Baptist Church Time: 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by: Southern Christian Leadership Conference For more information, please contact Dr. Dwight Montgomery at 901-948-7915. Africa in April, Inc. A Cultural Awareness Festival Date: April 17th – 20th Venue: Beale Street & Robert R. Church Park For further details about events, times and attractions call, David L. Acey Sr., Executive Director at 901-947-2133. Visitors Information Centers 888-633-9099 or 901-543-5333 Locations are open 7 days a week: 9a.m. – 6 p.m. (Apr. – Sept.), 9a.m. – 5p.m. (Oct. – Mar.) Tennessee State Welcome Center, 119 N. Riverside Dr. Memphis/Shelby County Visitor Center, Arlington Road at I-40. Memphis Visitor Center, 3205 Elvis Presley Boulevard and Brooks Road