The week-long events surrounding the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s death drew everyone from politicians, activists, labor leaders and tourists to Memphis. There were as many reasons to participate as there were causes to rally behind. In this segment reflecting on MLK50 events, WKNO reporters Sydney Matzko and Sierra Guardiola discuss the commemorative aspects of the observance, and how history has been used as an example for future activism. 

On a day when Memphis was commemorating a tragic event of 50 years ago, one church took an hour to reflect upon a much older stain on the pages of history.

Thousands of people from all over the world gathered in Memphis on Wednesday to participate in I AM 2018’s “Rally For Justice.” The rally included music, speeches by activists, and a march to Mason Temple, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final "Mountaintop" speech.

People of all ages gathered on Beale Street outside the AFSCME local 1733, where history was made during the 1968 sanitation workers strike. Those active during the civil rights era want to ensure that it is not forgotten.

From photography exhibits to concerts, the 50th Anniversary commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death goes beyond speeches and protest signs.

Many across the City of Memphis are celebrating history in artistic ways.

Fifty years ago today, a shot rang out in Memphis. A different ringing will be heard today to mark the moment Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed on the balcony at the Lorraine Motel.

Bell ringers across the country will join together for a tribute to the slain civil rights icon. Some view it as a way to transform a moment of pain into a moment of unity.

As MLK 50 events continued Tuesday, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees hosted a town hall for youth.

The event was held at the Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church, attracting around 200 students and panelists who came together to support the next generation of activists in honor of King's legacy.

An event at Temple of Deliverance on Monday night that coincided with this week’s MLK50 commemoration brought community leaders, politicians, and others together to explore the question: “Where do we go from here?”

Among this week’s MLK50 events, Shelby County School students had their voices heard at the Halloran Centre on Monday, through the showcasing of art and music.

A chorus of Dunbar Elementary students sung a song called, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Not the version by James Weldon Johnson, but one written with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in mind, along with this year’s theme: "Where do we go from here?"

Mason Temple in South Memphis attracted busloads of union members on Monday. The historic church played host to one of the many MLK50 events planned for this week.

Members of AFSCME Local Union 1733 and others wore their union badges proudly. Walter Greely of the American Federation of Government Employees reflected on why King’s support for sanitation workers 50 years ago still affects him today.