A Nine-Year-Old's Memory of JFK - and Grownup Thoughts of MLK and Bobby

Glenda Thomas was a San Francisco elementary school student in 1963. This month, she recorded her memories of November 22, 1963 and sent them to our Tumblr, JFK Memories.

"As a little black girl living in San Francisco, she says, "I didn't know the full effect this assassination had on me until later in life."

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"When Martin Luther King was killed, and then Bobby Kennedy also was assassinated, it became clear to me that the message I received from these assassinations was that if you really try to help people and do good in this country, and especially helping poor people, helping black people, helping disenfranchised people - you're going to be killed. And if you're a black leader willing to speak out, we will shoot you down."

Thomas concludes: "I hope those who hear my voice will be encouraged that ... we still must do that thing we must do."

Abbie Rowe

>> Much more on the 50th anniversary of JFK's assassination at our Remembering JFK page

Also of Interest

• The Night Grace Kelly Surprised JFK in His Room
• 5 Things Your Doctor Dislikes About You
• Please give to the Typhoon Haiyan relief fund to maximize donations for those in need.
• Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being

 

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