The Last Photo Taken of Famous Historic Figures

The Last Photo Taken of Famous Historic Figures

Shannon Quinn - February 28, 2023

The Last Photo Taken of Famous Historic Figures
Martin Luther King Jr. stands with fellow civil rights leaders on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 1968 — one day before he was assassinated while standing in approximately the same place. From left are Hosea Williams, Jesse Jackson, King and Ralph Abernathy.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Reverend and Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is best remembered for his “I Have a Dream” speech. The photo on the left depicts the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. alongside other civil rights leaders on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3rd, 1968. Tragically, the next day, he was assassinated in a similar location by James Earl Ray. There are numerous conspiracy theories surrounding his death. A photo was taken the next day of the immediate aftermath of the assassination in approximately the same location. King was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where doctors performed an emergency surgery. However, he never regained consciousness and was declared dead at 7:05 p.m on April 4th, 1968.

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