Ep 4. MLK: The Assassination Tapes

MLK: The Assassination Tapes explores the events leading up to and following the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through a mix of archival footage, eyewitness accounts, and interviews with historians and experts, the episode delves into the complex and controversial circumstances surrounding King's death.

The episode covers the weeks leading up to King's assassination, including his opposition to the Vietnam War, his involvement in the Memphis sanitation workers' strike, and his plans for the Poor People's Campaign. It also examines the rise of the Black Power movement and the growing tension between King and other civil rights leaders who advocated for more radical action.

The episode then details the events of April 4, 1968, when King was shot and killed while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. The assassination is examined through a variety of sources, including the infamous Zapruder film, as well as audio recordings of King's final speech, which included the prophetic statement, "I've been to the mountaintop. And I've seen the promised land."

MLK: The Assassination Tapes also explores the aftermath of King's death, including the national mourning and the riots that erupted in cities across the country. The FBI's investigation into the assassination, led by agent William Sullivan, is also covered, including the controversial role of informant and suspected co-conspirator, James Earl Ray.

Throughout the episode, a variety of voices provide context and analysis, including civil rights leaders Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, and John Lewis, as well as historians Taylor Branch, David Garrow, and Beverly Gage. The episode also includes interviews with members of the King family, including his widow Coretta Scott King and his son Martin Luther King III.

Overall, MLK: The Assassination Tapes offers a comprehensive and nuanced look at one of the most significant moments in American history, and underscores the ongoing relevance of Dr. King's message of peace, justice, and equality.