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Few men have had as much impact upon the American consciousness as the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.



Fifteen years after Dr. King's death President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law making the third Monday of January a national holiday celebrating the birth and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is a time for the nation to remember the injustices that Dr. King fought. A time to remember his fight for the freedom, equality, and dignity of all races and peoples. A time to remember the message of change through nonviolence.

Dr. King campaigned for world peace. He traveled across America to support and speak out about civil rights and the rights of the underprivileged.

In April 1968 Dr. King went to Memphis, Tennessee to help the sanitation workers who were on strike. On April 3rd Dr. King would give what would be his last speech:

"We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I have 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 not fearing any man.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."


The following day, April 4, 1968, as he was leaving his motel room Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed.




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