
National Civil Rights Museum
450 Mulberry Street
Memphis, TN
38103
Tel: 901-521-9699
Fax: 901-521-9740
» send e-mail
» Visit website
The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a tragedy recognized around the world. The respect and stature afforded Dr. King during his life was demonstrated in the response of leaders of many nations, some of which follow:
“America is shocked and saddened by the brutal slaying…No words of mine can fill the void of the eloquent voice that has been stilled.”
Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States
“…a setback to mankind’s search for light…violence has removed one of the world’s greatest men.”
Indira Gandhi, Premier of India
“We must hope there are other leaders in the ranks of the nonviolent movement who can pick up where King ended.”
Tage Erlander, Premier of Sweden reacting to King’s assassination
“(it) is an abominable crime…the brutal conclusion of…racial extremism of which the American people will be the victims.”
Paul Vanden Boeynants, Premier of Belgium

"When they described the actual incident of the shooting of Martin Luther King, it was a traumatic experience... I could not be composed"
Nelson Mandela, on his visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, November 2000