How MLK Jr.'s assassination shaped today's civil rights activists

Martin Luther King Jr.
In this Aug. 28, 1963 file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, addresses marchers during his "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
AP 1963

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.

The civil rights leader was just 39 years old when he died of a gunshot wound in Memphis, Tennessee. His legacy has extended far beyond his short life, and continues to inspire and inform today's generation of civil rights activists.

Deray McKesson is one of those activists and a former employee for Minneapolis Public Schools. He joined MPR News Host Kerri Miller for a conversation about why Dr. King's legacy continues to be relevant today.

Use the audio player above to hear the full discussion

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