Where did you live? What was it like? What stands out about living in Memphis in the 1960s?
I lived on Gwynn Road in East Memphis. We never locked the doors and we always left the car keys in the car it. Memphis was still very segregated in Memphis. There were very few African American students in my graduating class of 500.
Describe your life in 1968. What was a typical day like for you in 1968? School? Work? How was it different from today?
I went to school everyday and participated in many extracurricular activities. I traveled a lot for the extracurricular activities. Memphis has a come along way since then.
What do you remember about the day King was assassinated? What was different than normal? How did you feel? What did you think? Where were you when you heard? How did you react? How did people around you react? How did things change throughout the night?
My friends and I wanted to go to the I am a Man march, but our parents would not let us go. I felt that if I went to the march I could have helped. The sanitation workers was strong and garnering much support. White Memphians were afraid. I felt ashamed that this tragedy happened in this city. People were afraid African Americans would react by rioting and march down and destroy Goldsmiths. I simply was just mortified as to how this could happen in Memphis. My parents would not let me leave the house.
Describe your night after King was shot? Where were you that night? What was the city like?
My parents would not let me the leave house. Since I was not allowed to leave, I do not know what was going on in the city.
What did you think of King before and after his death?
I had the same perception of him before and after his death: he was a hero. I had read his speeches before his death; their articulacy impacted me.
Did life change at all after his death? Did people act different or view problems differently? Do you think people’s attitudes changed?
His death had a huge impact on the generation. Impacted the white and AfricanAmerican communities. They both knew they lost a hero.
Is there anything else about that time in your life that we haven’t discussed that you’d like to add?
His wife was also very impressive. It was a shame his children fought so much. I think he would be proud of the AfricanAmerican community today in Memphis. There are many AfricanAmericans who have taken leadership roles in Memphis government and education. He was instrumental in moving Memphis forward leaps and bounds.