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MLK50: Commemorative Bell Ringing

Mar 2, 2018

On April 4, all eyes will turn to Memphis, Tennessee to remember one of the world’s greatest tragedies and a legacy left by our nation’s greatest peacemaker, Dr. King. We are asking you to join us in tolling your church or campus bell 39 times to honor the number of years Dr. King dwelled on this earth and to pay homage to his legacy. This is a simple, yet meaningful way for our nation to acknowledge the loss but more importantly the great contributions Dr. King gave to the world stage. Since the news rippled across the country, the bells will first ring at the National Civil Rights Museum and The King Center at 7:01 p.m. EDT.

Bells will chime in the City of Memphis at:

  • 7:03 p.m. EDT

  • 7:05 p.m. EDT nationally

  • 7:07 p.m. EDT internationally

MLK50: Where Do We Go Here? is the theme for the National Civil Rights Museum’s commemoration and was inspired by the title of Dr. King’s final book as well as the title of the speech he delivered August 16, 1967, at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The King Center has also planned a series of events to mark this historic year with the theme MLK50 Forward: Together We Win with Love for Humanity. For more information on The King Center’s events please visit MLK50Forward.org.

While many will be with us in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4 to help us reflect on this solemn moment, our organizations want the nation to recognize this seminal anniversary and connect the past to the present. Please join us in this solemn reflection by contacting Ms. Tarrin McGhee at tarrin@piquepr.com or Carmen Coya at ccoya@thekingcenter.org. You can also register directly at mlk50.civilrightsmuseum.org.