MLK's Last Speech

"I've seen the Promised Land," Martin Luther King Jr. said in a speech in Memphis on April 3, 1968. He was assassinated the following day.

From: MLK: THE ASSASSINATION TAPES

[johnbradshaw]

I am a 53 years old white English guy and everytime I watch/listen to this I cry. Look at Dr King's eyes and face, that's not acting, pretence or just speaking for effect, it's raw emotion and total sincerity. I believe he knew his work was done and that God wanted him to ascend, when he says God has taken him to the mountain top to see the promised land he was speaking truthfully. And he knew why God had done that, to let him see that his work had helped his people to get there but that he wouldn't see it in this world. He was conflicted, he knew his time was ending and accepted it but was also saddened. Indescribably powerful and moving. The world desperately needs people like Dr King today.

[pointly]

When I die and if I go to heaven, I hope to shake your hand as I enter the gates at the Mountain Top. Rest in peace MLK.

[therecitalist]

He knew. And, when he says “but it really doesn’t matter to me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop, ” it’s torn me up every time. He was at peace, his work was done. He knew.

[Salmonraju]

Tears are Coming From His Eyes.what a wonderful humanity person

[kyro-jaxxsonofkosmos]

“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of The Lord!”

[scamp]

His tears are as genuine as his words that cost him so much. When you're the first, sometimes you must pay the most.

[bohemoth]

I remember being there during his speech. I was just 16 years old. I vividly remember that look on his face when he gave that speech. When he finished he almost collapsed to the point where his aides had to assist him to his seat.
I do believe that he saw his own death.
On the day when he was shot, my family and I were on our way back to New York. It came over the car radio that he had been assassinated. Dad couldn't drive us back home. So I took the wheel and drove us back to New York City. The riots that we had to drive pass were extremely frightening and dangerous.
I remember dad saying "FOR US. THE HANDS OF TIME HAS BEEN TURNED BACK TO THE DAYS OF THE PLANTATIONS."

[TravisLoneWolfWalsh]

When he says “I may not get there with ya” right then I realized he knew what was coming

[jackmeoff]

Listening to this speech gives me goosebumps, what a man. He already knew what was going to happen to him but he still kept going. Throughout Human history there are a few rare individuals who leave an everlasting impression on us all, this was one of them.

[surrenderinfaith]

such a beautiful person. look in his eyes. you can feel the truth and sincerity of his heart 💗

[mitchellmcdowell]

He knew. He absolutely knew. Such courage...it's simply breathtaking still, to witness it today.

[BabyLambCreations]

Martin Luther King Jr. was a legend.

Throughout his life, he paved his way to make a difference without using violence or retaliation. Instead, he just decided to be the better person and meet hate with love and violence with peace.

This speech was definitely powerful, not just because of his fate the following day but it also gave people hope for a better future where they will reach the Promised Land.

God bless you, Dr. King. We love and miss you.♥

[evelynh]

MLK was such a gift to this world. He really made such a difference, and even in his death he was still changing the world❤️ He’d be so disappointed in the world today

[robbiethepict]

The man died for his dream and the dream shall never die.

[queenaqueena]

From the moment I learned about MLK in 2nd grade, my teacher ended the lesson with... And they killed him! The anger and hurt in her voice has stayed with me forever. It took me until I was an adult to understand the anger and pain that she felt. Rest in Heavenly peace Dr. Martin Luther King.

[youssefahmed]

The thing that hurts me the most is that he knew he was going to get killed but had no problem with it. Rest in power Dr King.

[genehakman]

That really gives you chills watching it now.

[megic]

"I've seen, the Promise Land"

there are no words enough to describe this man.
R.I.P

[AGDinCA]

He knew... he just knew what was coming. But he didn't let fear stop him. He would be happy to know that he continues to inspire...

[sopamarucha]

Im Hispanic and this just touched my heart.. Bless his soul. Very powerful words. He knew in his heart that the end was coming.