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One of the most devastating events that negatively impacted African Americans in the late 60s was the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. He was a reverend and one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement. He provided a powerful voice of reason that inspired so many people, of all colors, to join in on the fight for equality. He is commonly compared to Gandi because he was not only a voice of reason, but a voice of peace. He gave many well known speeches and always encouraged his supporters to take the high road and protest peacefully. He was adored by so many and made a huge impact on the civil rights movement, and on the lives of African Americans. 

On Thursday, April 4, 1968 at 6:05 P.M. he was shot dead at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was standing on the balcony outside his room when James Earl Ray, an escaped fugitive, shot him in cold blood. News of his death resulted in several outbreaks of racially motivated acts of violence. These malicious acts resulted in over 40 deaths. After the manhunt led FBI investigators right to his doorstep, Ray confessed to his crime and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. The death penalty was taken off the table due to Ray’s plea. He later recanted after receiving the 99 year sentence stating that he was framed by a gun smuggler. His attorney fought to reopen the case and King's family was in support of these attempts. Ray's attorney hosted a televised mock trial in which Ray was found not guilty by the jury. This was to try to influence and change the minds of those who found him guilty. The case was never reopened and Ray died in prison. 

King's death devastated millions of people all over the country. He was a true advocate for equal rights not only for African Americans, but for people from all walks of life. He is still remembered and heavily talked about today. The United States honors him every 16th of January on the national holiday, Martin Luther King Day. King touched so many lives, even those of people who had never met him. On the day of his assassination, millions of strangers sobbed for the man who evoked so much change. He will always be known as the face of the civil rights movement.