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In just two weeks, the 40th anniversary of America's greatest humanitarian will be remembered. He died from a sniper bullet, even though 150 Memphis policemen were nearby to protect him. He died on a balcony at the Lorraine Hotel. The bullet screamed from a flophouse where a white vagabond stayed at. The bullet killed a great man. A great man died, but his death stayed alive.

While growing up, I knew little of Dr. King Jr's sacrifices. As I watched "Eyes on the Prize" dvds, I'm amazed at the cruelty Birmingham officers displayed at releasing German Shepherds WHO BIT THE MARCHERS. For those who never endured a dog attack, my experience horrified me. A Doberman Pincher pinned me down and bit my ear and wrist. I suffered through rabies shots, even though the dog had papers. I kicked and squirmed until the dog ran off. I thought it tore away my ear. King's marchers faced off a squad of police dogs with their brutal handlers. Black and white pictures couldn't disguise the blood that was spilled.

On the same dvd, I saw images after Sixteenth Street Church exploded. A firefighter looked into the camera in complete bewilderment. The destruction was appalling. I heard one, little girl, Denise McNair was dead with three of other friends. I was shocked that old, white men resorted to murdering children because they were black.

I heard the words "nigger" in junior high and high school. I got into scuffles with a couple of white students. Nigger sickened me. I was no nigger. I was better than that. My mom was called that and worse and still raised three boys. A black woman has always endured racism and sexism. She was black and a woman. I was just black. She endured and overcame. Dr. King endured and overcame. His supporters endured and overcame. His sacrifice fueled my desire to be the best. I studied twice as hard as white students. I worked twice as hard as white employees. I had to be twice as good to be equal. Dr. King taught to rise above Negro meant working to my very soul.

Dr. King's influence in my life meant more than words.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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