As a designer, I see my life as a massive puzzle with many decorative pieces that inspire my creativity. One of those pieces is my passion for traveling the world, which I prefer to do internationally, but I enjoy my travels regardless of when I am not out of the country. 2018, I took a trip to clarify an essential part of history and what would become a conscious experience. The tour is known as MLK50. It reenacts the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It reveals what he endured, such as challenges and triumphs throughout his life and, ultimately, the hatred that led to his fatal death.

I was beyond excited to have an opportunity to learn what transpired throughout his life, but I felt hurt, relieved, pissed, shocked, and disturbed, along with other emotions all at the same time. Yet even though there was so much information that I had to absorb, it was well worth every moment of my time in Memphis, TN, because, finally, for me, the various chapters of his life were officially in order.

However, unraveling the truth, years of lies covered up, hidden mysteries, and seeing the evidence displayed in a museum revealed a solidified fact – the world has some very evil individuals. I am not shocked, but it is sad because some people hide behind a giant facade of unjust hatred. Moreover, with my eagerness to learn and discover accurate knowledge, I put my feelings aside to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I toured the Stax Museum and saw the life stories of Ike, Tina, and Isaac Hayes. I toured The National Civil Rights Museum, did the Heritage Tour, and visited the Lorraine Motel (the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr). Finally, I had some answers about his life. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, GA, and died on April 4, 1968, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Memphis. Even though the tragedy became a reality during my trip, I could remove the question mark from a man who will always have a historical imprint on history.

Below are photos from MLK50.

P-1 and 2: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., preached his last sermon at the Mason Temple, the World Headquarters of the Church of God in Christ in Memphis, on April 3, 1968. He gave his fantastic speech, ‘I've Been to the Mountaintop,’ and I had the privilege of sitting, breathing, and smiling in a Spiritual Atmosphere.

P-3: Lorraine Motel, where the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took place on April 4, 1968.

P-4 and 5: Stax Museum, where memorabilia features superstars such as Ike, Tina, and Isaac Hayes.

After taking in an enormous amount of history during my stay in Memphis, TN, my last day was slowly approaching. I spent the evening on Beale Street, taking in the site's massive crowds, and I had the chance to savor another great meal at Blues City Cafe. OMG, the food was beyond fantastic!

Credit: Photos by Kimberly C. Lyons are the sole property of KCL-IDESIGN, LLC®.

DO NOT USE PHOTOS WITHOUT PERMISSION.

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