Re-examining 1968: The Untold Aftermath of Dr. King’s Assassination

In a recent episode of The Atlantic’s How-To series, host Rebecca Rashid sits down with senior editor and podcaster Van Newkirk to discuss his latest project, Holy Week. This podcast series serves as a deep dive into the immediate aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968, a period Newkirk identifies as a critical, yet often overlooked, pivot point in the American narrative.

Challenging the Standard Civil Rights Narrative

Newkirk argues that the "standard narrative of the Civil Rights Movement" often concludes prematurely around 1965 with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. By focusing on the week following King's death, Holy Week aims to correct this historical truncation. Newkirk highlights that the assassination—orchestrated by a "white supremacist" linked to the presidential campaign of George Wallace—triggered massive "uprisings, rebellions, or riots" in over a hundred cities. These events constituted the most extensive civil unrest in the United States between the Civil War and the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd.

By centering this specific week, Newkirk intends to "put to lie a lot of the things we tell ourselves about progress in America." He suggests that the sheer scale of the black response in the streets serves as a testament to the fact that many were "clearly not satisfied with the gains and progress of the Civil Rights Movement" at that time, a reality often sanitized by mainstream historical accounts.

The Power of Oral History and Audio Storytelling

When asked why he chose the podcast medium for this story, Newkirk emphasizes the unique capability of audio to capture the "sound of voices, human voices" and the raw emotion inherent in historical memory. He notes that emotions often "go unnoticed in film" or are "hard to capture when I'm writing."

Newkirk draws a direct line between his work and the tradition of oral history, noting that his own understanding of these events was shaped by the storytelling of his parents and grandparents, who witnessed their hometowns burning in April 1968. By leveraging the intimacy of the medium, he seeks to convey the "incredibly emotionally charged moment" through the personal testimonies of those who lived it.

Capturing the 'Vibe' of History

Beyond the facts, Newkirk expresses a commitment to capturing the atmosphere and character of his subjects. He highlights the importance of describing "people's vibes" to provide a more holistic view of historical actors. He cites the example of John Burlesmith, an "old radical out of Memphis," whom he describes with respect as having a "barber shop community college like historian vibe."

By focusing on details like the clothing—such as "leather Kangol caps and trench coats"—and the distinct wisdom of his interviewees, Newkirk attempts to honor the humanity and complexity of those who have been the keepers of this history. This approach ensures that the podcast is not merely an academic lecture, but a vibrant, visceral experience that connects the past to the present.

Conclusion

Holy Week emerges as a necessary reclamation of a tumultuous chapter in American history. By refusing to let the story end at 1965, Van Newkirk invites listeners to confront the anger and the reality of 1968. Through the powerful use of oral histories and a focus on human nuance, the series promises to challenge our collective understanding of progress and the enduring legacy of the struggle for civil rights.