National Civil Rights Museum: Remembering MLK

The National Civil Rights Museum will present a virtual commemoration in honor of Dr. King’s life and legacy on the 53rd anniversary of his death.  The museum is closed on the Easter Sunday holiday on April 4. Guests are welcome to pay tribute to Dr. King in the museum courtyard.

Each year the Museum commemorates the tragic event that occurred on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in 1968. This year’s event will feature A Conversation with Rev. James Lawson, a key King ally and stalwart of nonviolent philosophy who trained a number of activists on civil disobedience. NBC correspondent, Tracie Potts, will moderate the conversation. The ecumenical tribute includes invocation by Bishop David P. Talley of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Bernard L. Richardson, the Dean of the historic Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel and the executive officer for religious affairs at Howard University. His remarks will explore King’s life and his legacy of altruism.  Under his leadership, the Chapel impacts students through initiatives including Alternative Spring Break (ASB), HU Day of Service, the Interfaith Advisory Board, Justice for Juveniles Prison Ministry and the University’s first Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School. He has set an example in affirming religious diversity and freedom both on campus and throughout the community.

The museum’s tour guides will perform the poem “Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Gwendolyn Books. Musical performances by vocalists Karen Brown and Chris Barnes, directed by Garry Goin, are slated during the commemoration and concludes with “Precious Lord,” Dr. King’s favorite gospel hymn, rendered by the vocal ensemble Adajyo. The broadcast will culminate with the tolling of bells and a moment of silence at 6:01pm, the time Dr. King was shot on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.

Find more information here: https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/april-4th-commemoration