Detroit Public Television Brings Special Programming of the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death

Those of us of a certain age will never forget that tragic day 50 years ago when we learned of the death of Martin LUTHER King. Since that time, much has changed in this nation - often as a result of his historic work - and much remains to be done to realize his dream.

Starting this evening, DPTV offers two special programs reflecting on the life and legacy of Dr. King. At 8 p.m., "American Experience - Roads to Memphis" presents an emotional account of the events that led to the assassination in 1968, telling contrasting stories of the civil rights leader and James Earl Ray, through the words of King's closest confidants.

Immediately afterward at 9 p.m., watch the first episode of a two-part series, "Black America Since MLK," featuring everyone's favorite historian and teacher, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., as he leads us on a journey through African-American history, from the Selma marches in 1965 through the presidency of Barack Obama. The series concludes at 9 p.m. on Wednesday.