On this day, at this time, 42 years ago in the Memphis, TN, Mason Temple, Martin Luther King Jr. was delivering the last speech of his life. It’s come to be known as “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” That most famous of passages:
And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. So I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
Full text and full audio. At 6:01 pm on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot dead on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. NPR has produced two very powerful remembrances of the speech; One for the 25th anniversary and one for the 40th anniversary. At around 7 minutes each, there’s no better way to spend 15 minutes. Bob Herbert and Bill Moyers’ both point out, powerfully, that his message has yet to be heard.
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