Eunice M. by Chase W., Cordova Middle

The person I interviewed was Eunice M. She was 27 years old when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Mrs. M. was a Special Education teacher teacher that taught for 42 years before retiring. She is a native Memphian and says that in the 60's Memphis was a thriving city that people proudly called home. She remembers that the somber mood of the city after hearing Dr. Kings death. The city was placed under a curfew to try and avoid any more riots. People were stunned, and I disbelief that a Civil Rights activist that promoted peaceful resolutions was killed so violently in our city. Mrs. M. felt that Dr. King was dynamic speaker that had the ability to guide and motivate people to embrace change. The death of Dr. King heightened the awareness of discrimination, segregation, and inequality. This resulted in the creation of new laws, changes in educational opportunities and working conditions.