I've Been to the Mountaintop
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"I've been to the mountaintop" is the popular name of the last speech delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr.
King spoke on 3 April 1968, at the Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters) in Memphis, Tennessee. The next day, King was assassinated.
The speech primarily concerns the Memphis Sanitation Strike. King calls for unity, economic actions, boycotts, and nonviolent protest. In the manner of a sermon, King cites the Book of Exodus, the prophet Amos, and the teachings of Jesus Christ, especially the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Toward the end of the speech, King makes references to threats against his life and uses language that seems to foreshadow his impending death:
- "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. So 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."
The last phrase is taken from The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
