Robert Kennedy speech at Indianapolis, Indiana, April 4, 1968 [announces the assassination of Martin Luther King – Example of Story of Us] (Video)
The video of Senator Robert Kennedy delivering the news of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination to an African-American rally in 1968 offers a look at how self, us, and now can interact to strengthen agency at a very challenging moment.
On April 4, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy stood before a crowd in Indianapolis to announce the tragic news of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What followed was one of the most heartfelt and unplanned speeches in modern history. Speaking without notes, Kennedy appealed to the nation’s conscience, urging unity, compassion, and understanding at a moment of great pain and uncertainty.
Why rfk mlk speech Is a “Story of Us”
This address stands as one of the clearest examples of the Story of Us within Marshall Ganz’s Public Narrative framework. Kennedy’s message was not about himself; it was about who we are together. He moved from acknowledging his own sorrow to emphasizing shared values — justice, peace, and love — calling all Americans to reject hatred and choose reconciliation. His words turned grief into a collective moral challenge, uniting a divided community around a common identity.
The Story of Us is about building connection, and in this moment, Kennedy transformed the shock of tragedy into a shared purpose: to continue the work of those, like Dr. King, who gave their lives for equality and dignity.
Key Elements of Robert F. Kennedy’s Speech on Martin Luther King’s Assassination
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Shared Identity: Kennedy invited everyone—Black and white alike—to see themselves as part of the same moral community.
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Collective Values: He appealed to compassion and justice, grounding his message in love rather than anger.
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Moment of Decision: By asking “what kind of nation we are,” he framed a collective choice between division and unity, echoing the urgency of King’s vision.
How to Use This Resource
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Watch the Video: Begin by viewing the full speech of Robert F. Kennedy’s Indianapolis Speech on the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Listen for the emotional shift from personal sorrow to collective strength.
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Reflect: What shared values hold your community together in times of challenge? How can a leader’s empathy become a catalyst for collective action?
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Connect to Public Narrative Tools: Pair this example with Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to explore how Story of Us and Story of Now reinforce one another.
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Go Deeper: Read more about Martin Luther King Jr. and explore the essay “Me and the System: The Personal Essay and Health Policy” to reflect on how personal narratives intersect with broader social structures.
Closing Reflection
Bobby Kennedy Indianapolis Speech remains a timeless demonstration of moral courage and community leadership. It reminds us that in the face of loss, the most powerful story we can tell is the one that binds us together — the Story of Us that keeps hope alive and moves us toward justice.