these at civil rights museum honor the 53rd anniversary of MLK Jr.’s dying – FOX13 Information Memphis

Memphis, Tenn. – On that day, 53 years ago, an assassin’s bullet cost the life of a man with a generational voice and a passion for equality.

On Sunday, many in the Middle South honored both the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was killed in Memphis on the balcony of what was then the Lorraine Motel.

On a warm and sunny Sunday morning, crowds gathered under the balcony King was standing on just before an assassin’s bullet silenced the voice that would be heard decades later.

It was there, a motel that became the National Civil Rights Museum, where people celebrated the 53rd year since the king’s death.

“I just wonder if he was there today, what he would say,” said Warren Reid, who was standing on the street in front of the museum.

Sunday was the day that fell just before Derek Chauvin’s trial was reopened. He was accused of killing George Floyd after kneeling on the back of his neck. It is also considered to be the first commemoration of the king’s death since protests against social justice erupted across the country last summer, some reminding of injustices that persist today.

“The marches help raise awareness and mobilize efforts in which people cannot invoke ignorance around them,” said Reid.

There was agreement among those filtered through the museum campus.

The day also comes amid tensions arising from a controversial voting law in Georgia that critics say is touching the right to vote. All of the issues, as some said, were reminiscent of persistent injustices.

“We still have a long way to go. Obviously there is still a problem, ”said Ian Collins, who said he was visiting Memphis while driving overland.

Allison Tyson, a Memphis resident, spoke when tears flowed from her eyes.

“It shed light on what many people knew, and not everyone did,” Tyson said.

On Sunday, museum staff said the fight against injustice might be different, but 53 years after King took his last breath, the fight is still raging.

“The real fight is at the ballot box and it’s a pain to see what happens in Georgia, but you still have to show up,” Reid said.

The National Civil Rights Museum is hosting a virtual memorial service, the second virtual ceremony due to the pandemic. It starts at 5 p.m. You can check it out on the museum’s website.

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