StoryCorps: Taylor and Bessie Rogers
From StoryCorps
| Part of the StoryCorps series
| 00:01:36
Producers: StoryCorps
In 1968, 1,300 sanitation workers, most of whom were black, went on strike in Memphis, Tenn., protesting horrendous working conditions and low wages. Martin Luther King, Jr. went to Memphis to lend his support to the striking workers.
Taylor Rogers, one of the men on strike, went to the Mason Temple on April 3, 1968, with his wife, Bessie, to hear King speak. What they heard is now known as the "I've been to the Mountaintop" speech -- the last that Dr. King would deliver.
Broadcast History
NPR's Morning Edition 1/13/06
Average Rating
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Additional Information
- Produced: Jan 01, 2006
- Added to PRX: Jan 13, 2006
- This piece is in English
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Michael Johnson
Posted on March 29, 2006 at 10:09 PM | Permalink
Review of StoryCorps: Taylor and Bessie Rogers
A senior african-american couple recall their experience of hearing Martin Luther King Jr. speak the night before his assasination. It is a simple and moving accountting of an historical moment.
Play this on April 3rd, the anniversary of Dr King's death.
Just drop it into the two minute newshole during the morning or evening drive. It will speak for itself and will also provide a slightly different POV on the last hours of this american icon.