Age in 1968: 19 years old
Where did you live? What was it like? What stands out about living in Memphis in the 1960’s? Memphis TN, Typical southern town, Memphis has always been a segregated town.
Describe your life in 1968. What was a typical day like for you in 1968? School? Work? How was it different from today?
In 1968 I was a Grad from high school. It was my sophomore year at Lemoyne Owen College. A typical day was to get up and work at the broom house for two hours then go to Lemoyne Owen College. Life is different now compared to then. It has been approximately 47 years and I have retired from Kroger and am a Pastor of Oasis Church of God In Christ.
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?
I was on the way from college when I heard the news Of King’s death. There was total chaos I every street of Memphis. Thos was a time of danger and excitement. A curfew was applied and you couldn’t move freely. There was police brutality, riots, and dogs. I thought King’s death was the most terrible thing because he always preached about non-violence but he was violently assassinated. I first heard of King’s death on the way home from school when I stopped at a friend’s home for dinner. I was afraid after King’s assassination. The people around me where in a moment of despair but continued to go on with their regular routines. Overnight everyone was afraid of police brutality and riots. After while there was a numerous amount of rioting, police brutality, and burning.
Describe your night after King was shot? Where were you that night? What was the city like?
Things became worse in the city. There was total unrest. The night King was shot I went to work, school, and church. Business was burned down people lost work and others were hurt. The city was destroyed.
What did you think of King before and after his death?
Before: King was a wonderful man doing a amazing job with non-violence.
After: I prayed his message would continue and it did in brief periods of time.
Did life change at all after his death? Did people act different or view problems differently? Do you think people’s attitude changed?
Yes, a frightening change occurred. People were afraid there would no longer be peace. After while peace came only for a period of time. Then riots and police brutality came back.
Is there anything else about that time in your life that we haven’t talked discussed that you’d like to add?
In the mist of rioting and unrest I was able to continue and sustain. I graduated and became a pastor at a vibrant church.