The fourth day in April will be memorialized forever for a number of reasons. In the totality of history, there’s several important events that come to mind, but let’s start with the first one that hits consciousness.
On this very day in 1968, the iconic civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while standing on a second-floor balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The death of King spurred widespread heartbreak that manifested into riots and the closure of businesses all over the U.S.
The week that followed was a dreary one that called for over 100,000 attendees to gather in Memphis and Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate the life and contributions of the Reverend. The FBI would lead an investigation into the murder and find the convicted felon and fugitive James Earl Ray responsible for the assassination. He was captured in Britain and extradited to the U.S. and after pleading guilty to murder charges, sentenced to 99 years in prison.
Years later, Ray would recant his story causing many to suspect an even more sinister plot allegedly masterminded by those in government. The sentiment is ironic given that the 45th President of the United States is proclaiming that he, too, is at the center of a malicious plot by those in power.
On April 4, 2023, Donald J. Trump was in court to attend his arraignment, the first for any U.S. President. Trump was indicted on 34 counts related to inconsistencies within bookkeeping reports. Those counts include alleged hush money payments through Trump associate Michael D. Cohen to sex industry star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Trump, and the falsification of financial documents pertaining to Trump’s businesses and presidential campaign.
Alvin L. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney spearheading the indictment, faces the conundrum of proving that the alleged bookkeeping fraud is more than a misdemeanor, but part of a larger crime that is deserving of felony charges. After his arraignment, Trump flew back to Mar-a-Largo, Palm Beach, Florida where his supporters waited for him to give a much-anticipated press conference. Clearly appalled by what he deems as an illegal intrusion on his life, Trump told viewers that the country is “going to hell.”
While some celebrate Trump having his day, the greater picture of America dating back to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. 55 years ago can be interpreted two ways. April 4th can be a solemn reminder that the U.S. has yet to overcome the relentless persistence of classism, white supremacy and privilege, or for the optimistic, the highest power in the U.S. being held accountable by law is a progressive move toward equality and fairness.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to be a staple for civil rights and social justice as his legacy is carried on by supporters and followers worldwide, while Trump’s saga continues as he pleads not guilty to all 34 counts. In the midst of it all, pop culture savants can bash in another event that took place in Manhattan, New York and makes April 4th significant. Call it ridiculous, but 15 years ago a hip hop icon and R&B and pop legend tied the knot.
Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Beyonce Knowles were married on April 4, 2008, an era before social media became the pulsating lifeline for herd mentality and unsolicited criticisms. Contradictory to what others would speculate for wealthy superstars, the two down-to-earth lovebirds sealed the deal in a penthouse living room surrounded by close friends and family.
In their own way, Jay-Z and Beyonce have championed their own form of activism over the years. In a move that many regarded as controversial, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation partnered with the NFL to elevate their “Inspire Change” initiative towards a more inclusive culture. Since his involvement, Jay-Z aided in the implementation of the award-winning Super Bowl halftime featuring Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, and Eminem, and reigned in 2023 with a halftime performance by a pregnant Rihanna.
Beyonce, who gave her own iconic halftime show, has gone on to make empowering anthems for women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community, while supporting women in music and entertainment. The couple has also played a role in increasing voter awareness, supporting the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, the first Black president, and efforts toward the 2020 marches for racial justice and the end to police brutality.
One thing that can be taken from these three stories is that April 4th will forever be a memorable day in history, for both the political history buffs and the pop culture enthusiasts.
