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Commemoration of Dr. King on Anniversary of His Death
April 4
The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel will present a commemoration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy on Friday, April 4, the 57th anniversary of his death with emphasis on an urgent message of collective power for social change. This year’s theme, “How Long, Not Long,” modeled after King’s 1965 speech for voting rights in Montgomery is its rallying cry. The Museum invites the nation to focus on Dr. King’s nonviolent direct action in addressing current social chaos. The event entitled “Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment.” will be held in the Museum’s courtyard at 5:00 pm Central. Participants can also join the live stream via the museum’s website, YouTube and Facebook platforms.
“We’re emphasizing the relevance of Dr. King’s “How Long, Not Long” speech ” to today’s prevailing struggle,”
said Dr. Russ Wigginton, Museum President. “We reaffirm our commitment to continuing the work that Dr. King
and his allies fought for when he powerfully declared that ‘the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice,’”
Wigginton said.
Each year, the Museum commemorates the tragic event that occurred on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in
1968. This year’s event features a keynote speaker, special performances, fraternal tribute, and the changing the
balcony wreath with a moment of silence at 6:01 pm Central, when Dr. King was slain.
Hattilloo Theatre will present a dramatic interpretation inspired by Dr. King’ s “How Long, Not Long” speech.
Soloist Deborah Thomas and the Tennessee Mass Choir will perform musical preludes and inspirational
selections during the commemoration. The Museum’s three student Keeper of the Dream Award winners will
express the meaning of King’s legacy for today’s generation, and Dr. King’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc., will pay tribute. Dr. King’s speeches will be broadcast throughout the day in the Museum’s
courtyard.
The April 4th Commemoration honors Dr. King’s life and legacy and serves as a call to action for future
generations. His assassination at the Lorraine Motel in 1968 was not the end of his fight for justice but a stark
reminder that the struggle for civil rights is far from over. The Museum not only remembers his sacrifice but also
carries forward his mission with unwavering determination.
The annual commemoration is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be
held inside the museum.
Registration is highly recommended for the link to the live-streamed presentation. For more information, visit
April4th.org.
For more information: https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/april-4th-commemoration