Betty Jean J., was the name my mother named me. But, you can just call me, Betty. During the year, 1968, I was eighteen years of age. And, how I loved Memphis. It was the "place to be" as we called it. Back in these days, I lived in public housing in North Memphis, Oats Mentor Housing Development to move exact. Oh. How I loved the 60s. Even though Memphis was segregated, it was the only place I knew about. It was my home, my life, and my future.
Life in 1968, was enjoyable and warm. I was a graduate of Mannasas High. I was very active in school activities and had a very proactive social life. Everybody was somewhat like family. What an unbelievable sight to see. Memphis as one big family. Unfortunately, people don't appreciate their family and friends as much as they did in my day. Also, children were more disciplined. I believe that if kids these days grew up back then, they would appreciate so much more in this world, than they do now.
Sirens I heard, as I walked diligently down the slippery, library stairs. The Central Library was where my friends and I were at this exact moment. Busses stopped. People were quiet. The world felt like it was paused. That one second we heard the horrible news. Martin Luther King has been shot at the Lorraine Hotel. Chaos began to shoot from its root. People were screaming, running, and crying everywhere. Later that night, all the streets were empty. Everyone was inside with their family. Comforting each other and trying to figure out why. Just why this horrendous act had just taken place.
Suddenly, the quiet streets began to become louder and louder. You could see the fire reflecting from the inside of your house. Rioting and rampage took a hold of Memphis. People were angry and confused. Several days later, the national guards were on my porch. Tankers were slowly going down the streets. All I could do was keep my mouth wide open, out of fear. People were sad and started to wonder how they would express those indescribable emotions. Meanwhile, the sanitation strike was going on and suddenly all of a sudden you couldn't breath. Tear gas was thrown on us like dogs. Dogs who were wild. Dogs who treated their master wrong.
To furthermore explain, I've always been a big fan and follower of Martin Luther King Jr. I believed him to be a non-valid person. People followed him and believed him. I really appreciated the life Dr. King lived and always wondered why more people haven't followed in his foot steps.
Life after king's death changed. Some things got satisfied and others got worse. For example, Sanitation workers got what they were fighting for all along. As time went on, school and civil right laws changed. But, people who followed King attitude's changed. Younger people thought more differently every generation and the leadership was not a strong as it used to be.
All of this seems to bring us to today. It seems like today were still fighting for freedom as African Americans. Schools are still segregated by so called "counties". But, we all know that's just undercover separation of ethnic groups. Change has barely changed. We need a new leader like Dr. King, or else well go right back to the 60s, where it all started from.