Memphis, Tennessee (CNN) -- Forty-two years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, while promoting the importance of the content of one's character. Today, an African-American candidate who marched with King is hoping the voters in a Democratic primary race will look at the color of his skin. Willie Herenton, who served as mayor of Memphis for almost two decades until he resigned in 2009, is making race a key part of his platform in his attempt to unseat incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen. Herenton's main campaign slogan on yard signs, flyers and T-shirts is the phrase "Just One," a reference to his belief that there should be at least one African- American representing Tennessee in Congress.
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Willie Herenton hopes voters in Tennessee's 9th District will look at color of his skin
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Herenton challenging incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen in Democratic primary
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Cohen has backing of Obama, Congressional Black Caucus
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Both candidates say they think Martin Luther King Jr. would be proud of their work
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And all we are seeking is just one, well-qualified, @placeholder to serve in an 11-member Tennessee delegation that is currently all white," Herenton said.
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"Congressman Cohen is a proven leader in the @placeholder and a strong voice for Tennessee," the statement said.
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"Congressman Cohen is a proven leader in the United States Congress and a strong voice for @placeholder," the statement said.
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"Together, we passed historic health care reform, and together we're continuing the fight to renew our economy and bring jobs back to the @placeholder people.
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I am proud to stand with Steve and support his re-election to @placeholder."
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Herenton said that even though he respects @placeholder, he was upset with his decision to get involved.
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Especially white @placeholder is in a state of denial when it comes to race," Herenton said.
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"I think if Dr. King were alive today, he would support the proposition that the @placeholder democracy fosters inclusion, the American democracy respects representation of diverse people in his government, and he would be sympathetic and would be encouraging to a group of people that seek representation," Herenton said.
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"I think if Dr. King were alive today, he would support the proposition that the American democracy fosters inclusion, the @placeholder democracy respects representation of diverse people in his government, and he would be sympathetic and would be encouraging to a group of people that seek representation," Herenton said.
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Memphis, Tennessee
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And asked about what people will be saying on August 6, a day after the election, Cohen says he hopes people will see @placeholder in a different light.