MLK Plot | American Black Journal Clip

Summary

On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit hosted a lecture addressing the controversy surrounding his murder. Author William Pepper, former attorney for the King family, discussed his book 'The Plot to Kill King,' which alleges a government conspiracy and James Earl Ray's innocence. Pepper, who represented Ray, presented evidence from a 1999 trial and subsequent findings suggesting the FBI, organized crime, and local authorities were involved. The conversation highlighted the difficulty in gaining mainstream acceptance of these findings and the implications for understanding significant historical events.

Takeaways

• 📅 April 4th marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, with various commemorative events held across the United States.
• 🏛️ The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit hosted a lecture focusing on the controversy surrounding Dr. King's murder, featuring a book titled 'The Plot to Kill King'.
• 📚 The book 'The Plot to Kill King' alleges that James Earl Ray was innocent and that Dr. King's death was the result of a government conspiracy.
• 👨‍⚖️ William Pepper, former attorney for the King family, claimed that James Earl Ray was not the shooter and was unknowingly used as a 'patsy' in the assassination.
• 🚫 James Earl Ray initially pleaded guilty after being convinced by his lawyer to do so, with the promise of a trial that never materialized.
• 🔍 Pepper spent over 40 years investigating the case and represented James Earl Ray in an attempt to get him a trial, which he was unable to achieve.
• 🤝 Carl Edwards, a social justice and civil rights attorney, discussed the evidence presented in the book, including witness testimonies and the involvement of the FBI and organized crime figures.
• 🔗 The assassination plot was allegedly planned at the home of Russell Atkins, with connections to the FBI, the Dixie Mafia, and local law enforcement.
• 🚨 The government's surveillance and manipulation of James Earl Ray, including his prison escape, were orchestrated to frame him as the assassin.
• 🗣️ Despite the evidence, the mainstream media and government apologists have largely suppressed this narrative, dismissing it as conspiracy theory.
• 💡 The lesson from this historical event is the importance of questioning official narratives and recognizing the power structures that may suppress the truth to protect their interests.

Q & A

What is the main claim of the book 'The Plot to Kill King'?

The book 'The Plot to Kill King' alleges that James Earl Ray was innocent and that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death was the result of a government conspiracy.

Why did James Earl Ray initially plead guilty?

James Earl Ray was convinced by his lawyer to plead guilty with the promise of getting a trial later, which never happened.

What role did the FBI allegedly play in Dr. King's assassination according to the book?

The book suggests that the FBI, along with organized crime figures and local authorities, was involved in planning the assassination.

Who is William Pepper and what is his connection to the case?

William Pepper is a former attorney for the King family and has spent over 40 years investigating the case, representing James Earl Ray, and advocating for his innocence.

What evidence is presented to suggest a conspiracy in Dr. King's assassination?

The evidence includes depositional witness evidence, a trial with 70 witnesses, and direct evidence from the son of one of the conspirators who was present at the planning of the assassination.

How was James Earl Ray manipulated according to the script?

James Earl Ray was manipulated by a handler named 'Raul' and was used as a patsy in the assassination plot. His prison escape was allegedly arranged by Clyde Tolson of the FBI.

What was the significance of the bullet and the gun in the case?

The significance lies in the fact that the bullet from Dr. King's death did not match the gun allegedly used by James Earl Ray, casting doubt on his guilt.

What was the reaction of the mainstream media to the revelations in the book?

The mainstream media has largely suppressed the evidence and truth uncovered by William Pepper, leading to a lack of popular acceptance of the conspiracy theory.

What were the motivations behind Dr. King's assassination according to the discussion?

Dr. King's assassination was allegedly motivated by his influence and the threat he posed to powerful forces opposing his vision of brotherhood, economic justice, and racial equality.

What lessons can be drawn from the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination?

The lessons include the importance of recognizing the role of powerful forces in suppressing truth and the need to continue advocating for the values Dr. King stood for, such as brotherhood and economic justice.