It is the spring of 1968. Moses Derrick is a senior track star at Central High School in Harriston and being a track star in Harriston is a big deal. This town loves its high school track. Moses has always dreamed of winning the City Championship in his specialty, the 100-yard dash. Last year, he pulled his hamstring during the championship race and was unable to finish. A year of unrelenting rehabilitation by Moses has healed the hamstring and now he is on the verge of achieving his dream.
Then on Thursday, April 4th, 1968, five days before the City Championship track meet, an assassin’s bullet takes the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. As Harriston and the nation mourns, Moses has to decide if he will participate in the track meet that will take place on the same day of Dr. King’s funeral. Moses’ friends tell him he shouldn’t run. Never mind that winning the 100-yard dash City Championship is Moses’ long-time dream. Never mind that he has worked so hard to get the opportunity to run in the City Championship again. His friends say it’s dishonorable to participate in a track meet on the same day that one of the most revered men who has ever lived is being laid to rest. But, for Moses, running this race is his last chance to achieve his dream.
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Chapter 3 (excerpt)
The News
“Mr. Perry, Mr. Perry, turn on the TV! Turn on the TV!” shouts NewsBoy. “Somebody shot Dr. King! Somebody shot Dr. King!”
The entire ice cream shop gets quiet.
Linda chastises NewsBoy, “Come on, NewsBoy. That ain’t funny.”
Frustrated and upset NewsBoy shouts, “I’m not lying! I’m not lying! It’s just happened! It just happened! It’s on the news! It’s on the news!”
Moses stops the jukebox. Mr. Perry turns on the 19”, black and white TV setting behind the counter and turns the volume up. The students all gather around the counter to see and hear the news. On the TV, the newscaster is reporting that Dr. King has been shot.
“Memphis police say they have no suspects in the shooting, but witnesses have indicated the shots came from a boarding house across from the Lorraine Hotel. Dr. King was in Memphis to lead a peaceful protest in support of striking sanitation workers. Again, for those of you just joining us, reports out of Memphis, Tennessee say that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been assassinated. At this time, we don’t know who or how many killers were involved. Dr. King, the Noble Peace Prize recipient, …”
Mr. Perry turns down the volume on the television. The students and other patrons kind
of mill around not quite knowing what to say or do. There is an uncomfortable silence. Margaret’s cries breaks the silence.
“I can’t believe it! How could anyone do this. Dr. King is our savior. How could they kill him?”
Diane responds, “Evil! That’s what it is. Just plain Evil.”
Margaret continues to express her pain, “What are we going to do now? Our leader is dead. How are we going to overcome without Dr. King leading us?”
In an attempt to comfort Margaret, Robert says, “It’ll be okay, Margaret. Dr. King has a lot of soldiers. The fight will continue.”
William responds to Robert’s statement, “You’re right about that. There is definitely going to be a fight. All I can say is, y’all better get your guns and get ready. The Revolution is about to start.” There seems to be a sense of satisfaction in William’s voice for the prospect of racial combat.
Johnny jumps on William, “William, Man. Don’t nobody want to hear that noise now.”
“So, what you gonna to do about it, Johnny?” replies William. “What ‘cha gonna do?”
Johnny moves towards William. William gets off of the stool and takes a defensive stance. Robert and Moses quickly step in between the two.
With a stern voice, Mr. Perry squashes the tension.
“All right now. I know everybody’s upset but we’re not going to have any fighting up in here,” declares Mr. Perry.
“Y’all so disrespectful to Dr. King”, Margaret exclaims.
“They’re just stupid,” says Cynthea. “They think they can solve everything by fighting.”
Heeding Mr. Perry’s words, William and Johnny return to their seats.
Ricky, who graduated from Central last year comes through the door. He is a boastful young man who is a member of the Nation of Islam. Wearing a brown suit, yellow bowtie, and sunglasses, Ricky moves swiftly and confidently carrying a stack of newspapers.
“As-salaam-alaikum, my brothers and sisters,” says Ricky.
No one acknowledges him.
“What’s up? Why y’all so quiet?” asks Ricky
NewsBoy responds, “Didn’t you hear the news, man?”
“What news?” asks Ricky.
NewsBoy points to the television.
“They killed Dr. King,” says NewsBoy.
“Who killed Dr. King?” asks Ricky.
“They don’t know yet. All they know is that somebody shot him,” replies NewsBoy.
About the Author:
S. A. Miller is a writer and producer of movies and videos who has authored several articles and essays on politics, social empowerment, history, and inspiration.
Contact: soulstories2018@gmail.com
Published by ANG Communications, Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana