The individual assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. His advocacy for nonviolent protest and commitment to achieving racial equality made him an iconic figure in the fight against racial injustice. His assassination led to widespread outrage and riots across the United States, marking a significant turning point in the civil rights movement. King’s legacy of promoting justice, equality, and peaceful resistance continues to resonate today, influencing movements for social change around the world.