50 years later: Reflecting on MLK's legacy

Nearly 50 years ago, an assassin took the life of one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known.

Martin Luther King Junior was killed in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968. His life was taken, but his dream lives on as his fight continues.

“When you look at these pictures, you can literally feel and see the impact,” said Erica Griffin.

Griffin is the Director of Education and Public Programs at the DuSable Museum, and she’s talking about a bust of Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. and a commemorating piece next to it, marking the 1966 speech he made at Soldier Field.

Living in Chicago that year, King fought injustices in housing, a time known as the Chicago Freedom Movement.

A rally and march at Marquette Park turned violent just a month later when demonstrators led by King were confronted by an angry crowd.

Father Michael Pfleger at Saint Sabina Church was 16 years old and says seeing King that day was an inspiration.

Now invited to speak next week at the Memphis hotel where King was assassinated, he says his work has come full circle.

“He's been the mentor in my life. Because I think he gave us a blueprint. I don't think we'd be the America we are had he lived,” Pfleger said.