In the spirit of honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, on the 50th anniversary of his death, on Tuesday the City of Miami unveiled a new sign at the ribbon cutting for the restored median along Martin Luther King Boulevard from NW 12 Avenue to NW 6 Avenue. The beautification project includes a sign, ground cover, new tree plantings and an irrigation system.
Damaged by Hurricane Irma
Due to Hurricane Irma, there was considerable damage to the original median. The Office of Capital Improvements and Public Works have been working closely with the community to beautify the median ahead of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
King assassinated April 4, 1968
Dr. Kings was shot and killed as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968. He had been in Memphis with other civil rights leaders, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson to rally for the rights of sanitation workers.
King’s prophetic “Mountain Top” speech
On the night before his death Rev. King gave his last speech, referred to as “The Mountain Top” speech. The speech was eerily prophetic as in it the civil rights icon said. ”And then I got into 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 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!”
