Why A Black Woman Tried To Assassinate MLK Jr. - Story You Should Know

About this Video

• Video Title: Why A Black Woman Tried To Assassinate MLK Jr. - Story You Should Know
• Channel: HYPE+
• Speakers: Narrator
• Duration: 00:09:13

Introduction

This video recounts the story of Aola Curry, a Black woman who attempted to assassinate Martin Luther King Jr. in 1958. The video explores Curry's background, mental health struggles, and the circumstances surrounding the attack, placing it within the context of the Civil Rights Movement and the prevailing political climate.

Key Takeaways

• Aola Curry's Attempted Assassination: In 1958, Aola Curry stabbed Martin Luther King Jr. with a letter opener during a book signing in Harlem.
• Curry's Background and Mental State: Curry was a poor Black woman from Georgia who struggled with mental health issues, including hallucinations and paranoia, which influenced her actions. She believed King was a communist and had harmed her.
• J. Edgar Hoover's Influence: The video suggests that the anti-communist rhetoric of J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI, might have contributed to Curry's distorted perceptions of King.
• Curry's Post-Attack Life: After being deemed criminally insane, Curry spent time in mental health institutions before ending her days in a nursing home. Her later years were marked by mental decline.
• King's Response: King expressed no animosity toward Curry, attributing her actions to mental illness and expressing gratitude for surviving the attack.