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"I've Been To The Mountain Top"

As promised, Dr. King returned to Memphis. He intended on leading a march despite the injunction aginst it. On April 3 Dr. King spoke at the city's Mason Temple. With the shutters banging from the wind and thunder rumbling in the distance, Dr. King gave one of his most stirring speeches, and what would ultimately be his last.

The following are some excerpts:

Something is happening in Memphis, something is happening in our world.

Now we're going to march again. And force everybody to see that there are thirteen hundred of God's children here suffering, sometimes going hungry, going through dark and dreary nights wondering how this thing is going to come out. That's the issue. And we've got to say to the nation: we know it's coming out. For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over.  And I've seen the promised land.  I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.  And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man.  Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord

Full Text of "I've Been to the Mountain Top" Speech

Lorraine Motel

April 4, 1968 was a day that changed the nation. After a series of meetings, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was sleeping late at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, in a room with Reverend Ralph Abernathy. At 5:30, Reverend S.B, Kyles arrived to take them to dinner.

King emerged from Room 306 at about 6:00 and chatted with friends Jesse Epps, Ben Branch and Reverend Kyles.  He leaned over the balcony to greet the many supporters gathered in the courtyard just to get a glimpse of the great civil rights leader.  By 6:03, King lay dying, the victim of a sniper's bullet.

"We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop."

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK, Ciampa, & Wurf
Dr. Martian Luther King, P. J. Ciampa and Jerry Wurf discuss the strike. Photo by Richard L. Copley

El MacriadoUnited Farm Workers-"Killed helping workers to organize".