Age in 1968 : 18
Where did you live ? What was is like? What stands out about living in Memphis in the 1960s ?
- I lived in Memphis ,TN . At the time it felt normal at the time . Nothing really stood out really , but at the time I was just a teenager even though I could understand my surroundings and things felt normal and there was nothing abnormal at the time.
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 just like a normal teen . A typical day was going to school ( Hamilton high school ) I was a senior in high school with honors at the time it wasn’t segrated . I was also in the girl scout program at the time which I did after school. Also on weekends I was baby sitting .
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 ?
- On the day king was assassinated I remember that day like it was yesterday. . “ I was sitting in church waiting on King to make a speech and then we heard the news he had been assassinated “ I was in disbelief . All the people around me was crying and angry & it was like losing a family member because he cared more about us than himself because he knew that something was going to happen ! but he didn’t stop he keep doing what he had to & that was stand up for us & help us . Throughout the night we were told to remain calmed & peaceful but other people didn’t they just went crazy & started a riot . It took weeks for everything to go back to how it was at first.
Describe your night after King was shot ? Where were you that night ? What was the city like ?
- After King was shot it was still crazy & still unclear people were still not able to cope with the lost of someone very special ! I was at home and my family & I just cried until we fell asleep . The city was in pain to the point there were buildings set on fire and stores being broking into it was like a unbelievable movie.
What did you think of King before and after his death ?
- Before kings death I thought of him as a kind loving person who cared about everyone he stood up for what he believed in he wasn’t trying to do anyone any harm he was was just doing what was best for people and he will be truly missed .
Did life change at all after his death ? Did people act different or view problems differently ? Do you think people’s attitudes changed ?
- Life till went on but it felt different but we all had to honor King wishes and do what was right. Yes we all acted differently and we still was hurt inside about all of it . Yes, indeed people attitudes changed we start thinking positive and tried to have each others back .
Is there anything else about that time in your life that we haven’t discussed that you’d like to add?
No, I said everything that I remember . But thanks for interviewing me I hope you learned something