Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This is due to his role of leader and mobilizer in the civil rights movement. Levy (1999) says that this episode was a setback which hindered civil rights expansion for the United States’ black population. In short, the murder precipitated a national mourning period, characterised by the outpourings of anger among African Americans. These rages led to the adoption and subsequent implementation of equitable housing legislation, which was the most significant legislative achievement in the civil rights movement.
Civil rights movements would have accomplished much more than passing the fair housing law. If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was not killed, civil rights movements would have continued to address other problems affecting African Americans. Theoharis (2018) also noted that the racial violence and protests following his murder were a significant consequence. Dr. King would, in essence, have continued his struggle for equality racial by peaceful and nonviolent means that guarantee victory.
Responses from peers
Matthew: Reaction
Historical remark, Dr. King’s death elicited racial tension in more than 100 areas across the country was correct. The Fair Housing Act was also quickly passed because of this event. It is possible, though, that President Johnson might have acted quickly to put into effect the Fair Housing Act if Dr. King hadn’t been killed. Dr. King, at his time, had established favorable connections with the government.
Kat Baker Response
It is possible that Dr. King’s murder exacerbated tensions between African Americans (and whites) as this could have been their primary aim. The killing enabled the rapid adoption of Fair Housing Act. This was a major milestone in civil rights movements after Dr. King’s death. King, however, would have led the campaign in a nonviolent, slow, and steady manner to get more done than the Fair Housing Act.