April 4, 1968, marked a tragic day in American history when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, just two months before his own untimely death, delivered a powerful and impromptu speech in Indianapolis, Indiana, addressing the devastating news. This statement, now a poignant part of the Kennedy family legacy, served not just as an announcement, but as a heartfelt plea for peace and unity in a nation teetering on the brink of division.
Announcing the Tragedy and Its Weight
“I have bad news for you, for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world, and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and killed tonight.” With these somber words, Robert Kennedy conveyed the immense loss to a stunned crowd. His voice, filled with gravity, underscored the global impact of King’s assassination. Kennedy emphasized King’s dedication to “love and to justice for his fellow human beings,” highlighting that his death was a consequence of his noble efforts. This opening immediately set the tone for a message deeply rooted in respect for King’s life and work.
A Crossroads for a Nation: Choosing Unity Over Division
Kennedy then addressed the critical juncture facing the United States. He posed a crucial question: “what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in.” Recognizing the palpable anger and potential for violent retaliation, particularly within the Black community, Kennedy acknowledged the evidence pointing towards white perpetrators. He articulated the dangerous path of polarization – “black people amongst black, white people amongst white, filled with hatred toward one another” – a stark warning against succumbing to divisive emotions. This part of the statement is crucial as it directly confronts the immediate and volatile reactions to the assassination, guiding the audience towards a more constructive response.
Embracing Compassion and Understanding
Drawing a parallel to Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy, Kennedy urged the crowd to choose understanding and compassion over hatred and revenge. He advocated for replacing “violence, that stain of bloodshed” with “an effort to understand with compassion and love.” This was not merely a passive call for peace, but an active encouragement to emulate King’s principles of non-violence and empathy. By invoking King’s legacy, Kennedy anchored his message in the slain leader’s own teachings, amplifying its resonance and moral authority.
Personal Grief and Universal Understanding
To bridge the racial divide and connect with the pain felt by the Black community, Kennedy shared a personal anecdote: “I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man.” This vulnerable admission, referencing his brother President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, humanized his appeal and demonstrated a shared experience of loss and injustice. It was a powerful moment of empathy, reinforcing his call for understanding and urging collective healing beyond racial lines.
Finding Wisdom in Despair: Aeschylus and Hope
Quoting the ancient Greek poet Aeschylus – “In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God” – Kennedy introduced a philosophical dimension to his message. This literary reference offered solace and a framework for processing grief, suggesting that even in profound despair, wisdom and understanding can emerge. It elevated the speech beyond immediate reactions, tapping into timeless human experiences of suffering and resilience.
A Vision for the United States: Love, Wisdom, and Justice
Kennedy explicitly outlined what the nation needed: “not division… not hatred… not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice.” He envisioned a United States united by these positive values, transcending racial boundaries and addressing the suffering within the country, regardless of color. This positive vision provided a hopeful counterpoint to the grim reality of the moment, inspiring the audience to strive for a better future.
Call to Prayer and Collective Action
Concluding his statement, Kennedy urged the audience to “return home, to say a prayer for the family of Martin Luther King.” However, he broadened the scope of prayer to include “our own country,” emphasizing the need for “understanding and that compassion.” This call to prayer was not just a religious appeal, but a call for collective introspection and a spiritual commitment to unity and healing. He acknowledged the difficult road ahead, but reaffirmed his belief in the shared desire for progress and justice among both Black and white Americans.
Embracing Humanity and Gentleness
Kennedy concluded with a powerful call to action, invoking the wisdom of the ancient Greeks: “to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.” This resonated deeply with the themes of peace and unity, urging a conscious effort to overcome humanity’s darker impulses and build a more compassionate world. His final words, a dedication to this ideal and a prayer for the country and its people, left a lasting message of hope and a challenge to embrace our shared humanity in the face of tragedy.
Source: Papers of Robert F. Kennedy. Senate Papers. Speeches and Press Releases, Box 4, “4/1/68 – 4/10/68.” John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.
