For Kay M. April 4, 1968, began as a usual day on the Delta State campus; Everything was nice, quiet, and relaxed. Growing up in Hernando, Mississippi, during the 1960s had been a true blessing. The town was friendly and most people were worthy of trust. No one locked their houses at night, and everyone left their keys in the ignition of their cars. Children could walk to school unaccompanied by an adult. But things in the 60s were also segregated; Restrooms, water fountains, restaurants, and even schools were labeled for "white" people only or for "black" people. Kay's entire senior class had been composed of white people. To all the young people segregated was normal.
Kay was a 21-year-old junior in college. In the evening, Kay received a call from her family. On this day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was in Memphis to help the black workers who were on strike against the Memphis sanitation department. He had been staying at the Lorraine Motel, and Kay was informed that he had been shot and killed. Feelings of sorrow, shock, and fear came over her. She was definitely sad that such a thing could happen, but she also knew that other people might be happy. She was terrified that riots might start. Her father had been appointed a special deputy for the city of Hernando in case there were any riots, and she did not want him to have to go where there was danger. But even scarier was the fact that her mother worked only a few blocks from the motel where King was shot. Kay soon learned that her mother's office had been locked up; no one was allowed to come or go. However, later that night all the workers were allowed to leave. There was still the scare of not knowing who had assassinated Dr. King. The following days continued as normal at college, but Kay heard that riots had started in Memphis as people began burning and looting buildings.
Though there were some people who continued to hold prejudices against other races after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., other people's attitudes began to change for good. As the Civil Rights Movement was coming to a close, all segregated public places closed and combined. Kay appreciated Dr. King's peaceful approach against the injustice and inequality African Americans faced. After he died, she was sorry that his nonviolent ways didn't continue.