Ep 6. Roads to Memphis

In the American Experience season 30 episode 6, Roads to Memphis, viewers are taken on a journey through the events leading up to the assassination of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The episode specifically focuses on the man who pulled the trigger, James Earl Ray, and his motivations for committing the heinous act.

Through interviews with those closest to King, as well as historians and experts on the time period, the episode digs deep into the tensions and conflict that existed in America during the 1960s. It explores the Civil Rights movement, and the divisions between those who were fighting for equality and those who were actively opposed to it.

Viewers will also learn about the life of James Earl Ray, from his troubled childhood to his time spent in prison, which is where he developed an intense animosity towards Black Americans and Civil Rights leaders like King. The episode examines Ray's motivations for committing the crime, and delves into the FBI's investigation of the murder and their efforts to bring Ray to justice.

Roads to Memphis also explores the aftermath of King's assassination, including the public mourning and the continued fight for Civil Rights in his absence. The episode offers a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of one of the most tragic moments in American history, and offers audiences a chance to reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the United States.

Overall, Roads to Memphis is a powerful and illuminating episode of American Experience, offering viewers a chance to deepen their understanding of the Civil Rights movement and the lasting impact of King's legacy.