As I passed through Memphis, Tennessee, I knew I had to stop and pay homage to Martin Luther King Jr. I discovered that a Civil Rights museum had been built around the motel where he was assassinated, along with the building where his assassin stood. At first, I felt good, knowing I would be supporting the community and honoring MLK’s legacy.

Before parking, I circled the area a couple of times—my anxiety compels me to take everything in before stepping into a new place. As I drove by, I noticed a woman standing alone at a table, quietly holding a sign that read, “Boycott the Museum.” After finally parking, I changed my course and walked toward her.

I had questions, and she had answers. This wasn’t the first time I set out to do something good, only to realize that maybe it wasn’t as great as I had thought. I listened to her story, read newspaper articles about her, and we talked about how our communities could do better—be better. By the end of our conversation, I told her that I, too, would be boycotting the museum. She thanked me.

But why would someone boycott a museum dedicated to civil rights? Her concern was that the story being told might not be accurate and could even be causing harm by focusing on the violence of the assassination, rather than the peaceful principles of the civil rights movement. She believed that Martin Luther King Jr. wouldn’t have wanted a tourist attraction built around his death. Instead, he would have wanted a memorial that truly aligned with his values—something that served the community, like using the motel to house the homeless, aid the less fortunate, and uplift the surrounding neighborhood.

You know what? She’s absolutely right. I can’t speak for the King family, but based on everything we know—what we all know—his dream never included selling merch for corporate profit.

Jacqueline Smith had lived at the Lorraine Motel for over a decade before she was forcibly removed, so the site could be turned into an $8.8 million museum. She has been protesting—peacefully and relentlessly—since January 12, 1988. For reference, I’m 44 years old now. On that day, I was just seven. Ronald Reagan was president.

She has stood outside, through rain, snow, and blistering heat, fighting for what she believes in. That is persistence!

The museum has invested millions in renovations and expansions over the years and is currently undergoing another round of improvements—this time totaling over $50 million. I wholeheartedly agree that the Civil Rights Movement deserves our full attention and that its history must be preserved and shared. But if this museum is meant to be a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., then shouldn’t it also fulfill his dream?

What if some of that $50 million were dedicated to helping the community? If we are using the very place where MLK lost his life—where he stood for justice and economic equality—don’t we owe it to him to ensure it serves those in need?

That motel could have been transformed into a beautiful resource center in his honor. Instead, half a block in every direction from the museum is lined with poverty and empty lots.

MLK’s dream wasn’t about creating a tourist attraction. It was about lifting people up.

You can read more of Jacquelin Smith’s story on www.fulfillthedream.net.

I would love for her to see that after 40 years we are listening. 

I am still processing my thoughts, but hope to help find ideas to honor this hero righteously. 

 In case you haven’t seen it for yourself: There is currently a wreath hanging on the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot, there is a LASER pointing from the room in the building across from the hotel pointing at the wreath.