Hundreds of England supporters have paid their respects at the birthplace and church of Martin Luther King in Atlanta ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The Three Lions fans visited the civil rights leader's childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and the associated museum, wearing England shirts throughout the neighbourhood.
Fans Combine Football with History
Among the visitors were Mansfield Town fan John Mills, 64, a consultant and safeguarding manager for British Ice Skating from Biddulph, Staffordshire, and his friend Brian Jackson, 75, a retired project manager from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Mills explained their tradition: “We came over for all the group games and then returned to England - we just couldn’t afford to stay for the whole tournament. We always try and do something historic when we go to the cities which host England games.”
He added: “Atlanta has always been associated with Martin Luther King. It’s been absolutely fascinating to see the house where he was born and the church where he preached. We’ve seen so many England fans here as well. Lots of us had the same idea. The area has been preserved so well.”
Previous Historical Visits
The pair have made a habit of exploring historical sites during the tournament. “When we were in Dallas we went to the grassy knoll where JFK was killed then the depository museum. In Boston we did the ‘Boston Tea Party’ and everything associated with that. In New York we went to the Dakota building where John Lennon was shot,” Mills said.
Jackson noted: “We love our football and we love following England but it’s always nice to do something different before the games. After this match we are flying to Memphis where we will visit Gracelands - where Elvis lived. Then it’s up to New York and hopefully the final.”
Ticket and Travel Details
Jackson added: “We have got guaranteed tickets and because we are in the England supporters club they are just 60 dollars so we realise we are very lucky.” Mills joked: “I’m so grateful for my boss for being generous to come over the World Cup. It's been brilliant.”
Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968 at age 39. He was a powerful orator who inspired a generation with his “I have a dream” speech delivered in Washington in 1963, urging Americans to reject racism and bigotry.
