Page 12 - MLK Day Booklet 2021

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 pub-

lic works employees go on a strike until they re-
ceive decent living wages and safe working condi-

tions. They also demand recognition of their hu-
manity and dignity by wearing “I Am a Man” signs.

March 28, 1968 —Dr. King leads a march sup-

porting the sanitation workers in downtown Mem-
phis. 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. De-

spite 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 coun-
try as news of his death spread.