Hear MLK’s final speech replayed under the Washington Square arch tonight
Photo from an event test run last night, courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photo Office
Today, April 3rd, marks the 50th anniversary of when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” in Memphis, Tennessee. In response to the Memphis Sanitation Strike, he called for unity, economic action, and nonviolent protests. He also, eerily, alluded to an untimely death. The following day, April 4, 1968, he was assassinated. To commemorate this final speech, the city will tonight replay it in its entirety throughout Washington Square Park while Mayor de Blasio and First Lady McCray light the arch in MLK’s honor.
Tomorrow, we will replay Dr. King’s final speech in Washington Square Park — join us to remember his legacy and recommit to his vision for a better world. pic.twitter.com/UoTHyxsbHl
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 2, 2018
The event is free and will last from 7:30 to roughly 8:30pm. Here is an excerpt from the speech:
Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really 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.
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