Page 10 - MLK Day Booklet 2022-3
P. 10
MLK TIMELINE
February 1, 1968 —In Memphis, TN two sanitation
workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker are crushed in the
rear of a malfunctioning garbage truck.
February 12, 1968 —Memphis sanitation and public
works employees go on a strike until they receive decent
living wages and safe working conditions. They also
demand recognition of their humanity and dignity by
wearing “I Am a Man” signs.
March 28, 1968 —Dr. King leads a march supporting the
sanitation workers in downtown Memphis. Violence
erupts during the march and Dr. King is rushed from the
scene. He vows to return to Memphis to lead a peaceful
march.
April 3, 1968 — Dr. King returns to Memphis. Despite
feeling ill, he attends a rally at Mason Temple where he
delivers his final sermon, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”
April 4, 1968—Dr. King is mortally wounded on the balcony
of room 306 at the Lorraine Motel at 6:01pm and is
pronounced dead at 7:05pm at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Riots
erupt throughout the country as news of his death spread.
One day after speaking those words, Dr. King was shot and
killed by a sniper.
