I interviewed my neighbor, Melissa D. Hesitant at first, Mrs. D. later agreed to sit down for an interview. Melissa was 6 at the time of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death. As a result, she vaguely remembers what occurred at the time but upon reflection and wide reports on the news she can explain in detail of what happened on that fateful day.
On April 4, 1968 Melissa was attending kindergarten. She remembers watching tv at her babysitters house and seeing reports of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death. Immediately, her parents came and took her home. She remembers her mother crying while her father drove home frantically. She did not understand what was happening or the gravity of the situation until her parents sat her down and told her the importance of King and his movement.
Melissa looks upon this day as one of sadness and remembrance. She will never forget the shakiness of her father's hands and her mother's endless tears. She also remembers her teacher reiterating of the importance of King's death when school later resumed. This day will only be of sadness and remembrance.