National Civil Rights Museum Remembers Dr. King on April 4

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel will present a commemoration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther Kin, Jr.’s life and legacy on  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 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 p.m. 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 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 changing the balcony wreath with a moment of silence at 6:01 p.m. Central, when Dr. King was slain.

Hattilloo Theatre will present a dramatic interpretation inspired by 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 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 4 Commemoration honors 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.