This week is no ordinary week in Memphis. It’s the week that thousands are slated to visit the city to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death.

From marches to concerts, there are a slew of events planned across the city this week. Here is a small sampling:

Tuesday

10:50 a.m. Parkland shooting survivor honoring MLK

At Mason Temple, survivor of the February school shooting in Parkland, Fla., Mei-Ling Ho-Shing, along with the president of the American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten will discuss how King’s ideas have inspired a nationwide movement in the wake of the Parkland incident.

7 p.m “Mountaintop” speech commemoration at Mason Temple

King’s surviving children, faith leaders, and civil rights activists will celebrate King’s last speech with prayer and a call to action to continue King’s unfinished work of fighting prejudice and poverty, while advancing the freedoms of all people.

Wednesday

8 a.m. ‘I AM A MAN’ photo reenactment

Organized by the Withers Collection Museum and Gallery, the photo reenactment is meant to honor King and the sanitation workers who marched during the 1968 strike. Line-up for the photo will begin at Fourth and Beale near the Withers Gallery. The photo is be shot from a helicopter by Eboni Bullard, the granddaughter of the original photographer Ernest Withers.

The photo will be displayed at the Withers Gallery, as well as at the end of “’68 I AM A MAN,” a film produced by Southern Tales Entertainment.

9:30 a.m. Rally, march honoring 1968 sanitation workers

Beginning on the steps of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees’ (AFSCME) local headquarters, activists will rally before marching to Mason Temple for music performances and speeches from Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

10 a.m. Daylong tributes

Musical, dance, and spoken word performances, as well as speeches by civil rights leaders will run for most of the day in the National Civil Rights Museum courtyard.

3:30 p.m. Official 50th anniversary ceremony

The official remembrance ceremony will take place in the museum courtyard with the laying of the wreath at the Lorraine Motel, ecumenical liturgy, and additional remarks from civil rights players.

6:01 p.m. Bell Toll

At the exact time King was shot, bells across the country are slated to ring 39 times to honor each year of King’s life.

Thursday

11:30 a.m. ‘I AM A MAN’ Plaza dedication

The city of Memphis will dedicate a new art installation near Clayborn Temple honoring the 1968 sanitation workers in the context of the Civil Rights Movement.

There will be live performances, food trucks, and speakers.


See a comprehensive list of events on the NCRM website.