Funeral of Martin Luther King Jr.

The funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. was held on April 9, 1968, in Atlanta, Georgia, following his assassination on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. The funeral was attended by a large number of mourners, including family, friends, civil rights leaders, and political figures, as well as thousands of members of the public who came to pay their respects.

Background

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader in the American Civil Rights Movement and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. His assassination was a significant event that shocked the nation and the world, leading to widespread mourning and riots in several cities across the United States.

Funeral Services

The funeral services for Martin Luther King Jr. were divided into two main events: a private service and a public service.

Private Service

The private service was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King had co-pastored with his father, Martin Luther King Sr.. This service was attended by family members and close friends. The eulogy was delivered by Dr. Benjamin Mays, a mentor and friend of King.

Public Service

The public service took place at Morehouse College, King's alma mater. Thousands of people attended this service, which was held outdoors to accommodate the large crowd. The service included tributes from various civil rights leaders and political figures.

Procession

After the services, a funeral procession was held, which was a significant event in itself. King's casket was carried on a simple wooden farm cart pulled by two mules, symbolizing his connection to the poor and his advocacy for economic justice. The procession moved through the streets of Atlanta, allowing thousands of mourners to pay their respects.

Burial

Martin Luther King Jr. was buried at South-View Cemetery in Atlanta. In 1970, his remains were moved to a tomb on the grounds of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Legacy

The funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the impact of his life and work on the nation. It served as a rallying point for the civil rights movement and underscored the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice.

See also

• Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Civil Rights Movement
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

References

• Garrow, David J. Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. HarperCollins, 1986.
• Branch, Taylor. At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68. Simon & Schuster, 2006.