From Armed Presence to Community Support: The National Guard in Memphis – A Historical Perspective
Memphis is once again considering a deployment of the National Guard,sparking reflection on the Guard’s complex history within the city. From a visible, and often intimidating, force during the Civil Rights Movement to potential roles in community support today, the Guard’s presence has consistently evoked strong reactions. This article delves into that history, examining past deployments and exploring the current conversation surrounding their potential future in Memphis.
The 1968 Sanitation Workers’ Strike: A ”Show of Strength“
The year 1968 was a pivotal one for Memphis, marked by the Sanitation Workers’ Strike and the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The strike, born from risky working conditions and racial inequality, drew national attention and brought Dr. King to Memphis in support of the striking workers.
However, the demonstrations were met with a heavy-handed response.
* Sleeping in the Clayborn Temple,activists like Reverend Calhoun remember creating “I AM A MAN” signs and facing tear gas deployed by officers inside the church.
* Associated Press reports from March 30, 1968, detail a meaningful military presence: 4,000 national Guardsmen patrolling Beale Street, amidst boarded-up shops and broken glass – a stark visual of the unrest.
* A “show of strength” included armored personnel carriers equipped with .30 caliber machine guns, a deliberately imposing display for residents, including children on their way to school or church.
Dr. King himself expressed concern over potential violence, stating he wouldn’t have participated had he foreseen the possibility. Guard members at checkpoints were also accused of targeting and harassing those involved in the marches. This period cemented a feeling of fear and intimidation associated with the Guard’s presence for many Memphians.
The Aftermath of Loss: Guard Deployment Following King’s Assassination
The assassination of Dr. king on April 4th, 1968, ignited civil unrest across the nation, and Memphis was no exception.
* Within hours, 4,000 National Guard troops were reactivated and a city-wide curfew was imposed.
* Witnesses like Lewis, now 71, recall seeing armed Guard members on the streets, though he didn’t personally witness any direct confrontations.
* The atmosphere was described as an “invasion,” a mix of fear and unsettling excitement as the city braced for the unknown.
While some engaged in destructive acts, like setting a furniture store ablaze with Molotov cocktails, the overall feeling was one of profound loss and uncertainty.
Beyond Suppression: The Guard as First Responders in 1978
The National Guard’s role wasn’t always solely about suppression. In 1978, during a police and firefighter strike, the Guard stepped in as first responders.
* Lewis, working for the U.S. Postal Service at the time, was permitted to travel through Guard checkpoints during the curfew.
* He vividly remembers Guard members actively extinguishing fires amidst widespread looting.
* While still a visible presence, the atmosphere felt different than during the King assassination aftermath – less menacing, more focused on maintaining order and providing essential services.
This period demonstrated the Guard’s capacity for a more supportive role, a nuance often overlooked in discussions of their historical deployments.
Looking Ahead: A New Vision for the National Guard in Memphis?
Today,Mayor Paul Young is proposing a different kind of deployment. He envisions the Guard assisting with:
* Monitoring police cameras.
* “Beautifying” neighborhoods through community improvement projects.
* Providing support to the city’s homeless population.
This proposal acknowledges the historical anxieties surrounding the Guard’s presence, with Mayor Young explicitly stating a desire to avoid “invoking those same images.” He understands the community’s fears and seeks to redefine the Guard’s role as one of assistance,not intimidation.
The conversation surrounding the National Guard in Memphis is a crucial one. It requires acknowledging a complex past, understanding the potential benefits of their support, and ensuring any deployment prioritizes community trust and well-being. The goal is to move beyond a history of “shows of strength” towards a future where the Guard actively contributes to the betterment of Memphis and its citizens.
Mattise reported from Nashville, Tennessee. Associated Press corporate archivist Sarit Hand in New York City contributed.
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