MLK was assassinated today, 40 years ago. He was a mere 39-years-old. He had gone to Memphis to support black garbage collectors— ie, the sanitary public works employees who had been on strike for a month, the work conditions they faced every day unbelievably horrific, men getting crushed in compactors that they were forced to work inside of in the rain, etc.

King’s flight to Memphis had been delayed by a bomb threat. At Mason Temple, the night before he died, he gave one of his all-time killer speeches, the Mountaintop speech, which ends like this:

And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers?

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.

You can hear the full speech, watch video and read the text here.

Maya Angelou was born 4 April 1928, the year before King was born. She is 80-years-old today. It was her 40th birthday the day MLK died. Is anyone talking to her today?

Online, it looks like The Root has the best lineup of MLK material.