As the National Guard Enters Memphis, Memories of MLK and 1968 Unrest Resurface

October 14, 2025

The National Guard is being deployed in Memphis, Tennessee as part of an effort to combat high violent crime rates, stirring memories of previous Guard deployments during civil rights unrest in 1968 and 1978. President Trump announced the deployment with support from Republican Governor Bill Lee, who stated troops would be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service to support local law enforcement, though without tanks. For longtime Memphis residents like Joe Calhoun and Al Lewis, who witnessed the Guard's presence during the 1968 sanitation workers' strike and aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.

Who is affected

Memphis residents, particularly in high-crime neighborhoods
Local law enforcement receiving support
Memphis' Black community, who may experience heightened concerns due to historical context
Longtime residents with memories of previous National Guard deployments
People experiencing homelessness (mentioned as potential recipients of Guard assistance)
Citizens who may encounter Guard checkpoints or patrols

What action is being taken

National Guard troops are being deployed to Memphis to combat crime
Guard members are being deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service
Armed Guard members wearing fatigues are patrolling near Memphis landmarks including the Pyramid and a visitor welcome center
Troops are wearing protective vests marked "military police" with holstered guns
Federal agencies are increasing their presence in the city alongside the Guard

Why it matters

Memphis has struggled with high violent crime rates including assaults, carjackings, and homicides
The deployment evokes historical trauma from previous Guard presences during civil rights protests in 1968 and unrest following King's assassination
The National Guard's presence raises concerns about militarization in a majority-Black city with deep civil rights history
Many residents like Calhoun remember negative experiences with Guard members at checkpoints during previous deployments
Despite some improvement in crime statistics this year, officials maintain that violence remains a significant problem requiring intervention

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint