“I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”

In March 1968, King went to Memphis, Tennessee, to support sanitation workers in their strike. A demonstration turned violent, but King refused to leave.

On April 3, in what would prove to be his final speech, King addressed an audience at the Mason Temple, Church of God in Christ Headquarters in Memphis. He discussed the strike and urged his listeners to remain united and continue nonviolent protests and boycotts.

Prophetically, he closed his speech by saying, “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 so 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!!

Less than 24 hours later, he was shot and killed as he stood on the balcony of his motel room.

He was 39 years old.