“All we say to America is, ‘Be true to what you said on paper”
“I’ve been to the mountaintop”
we aren’t going to let any injunction turn us around. We are going on.
And he ended his speech: “Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
King nearly collapsed as he finished his speech, and had to be helped back to his seat, tears streaming down his face.
He was assassinated the next day. He was 39 years old.
