Jim Jones : Martin Luther King cured U.S. of addiction to racial segregation . He says King 's death helped make Barack Obama 's victory possible . During the 40 years following Dr , King 's assassination in Memphis , Tennessee , the most recurring question asked of me has been : `` Who today , what black leader , if anyone , is most like Dr . Jones : Leaders assumed only white Southern presidents could make progress . He says they never anticipated election of an African - American president .
Jim Jones : Martin Luther King cured U.S. of addiction to racial segregation . He says King 's death helped make Barack Obama 's victory possible . Jones : Leaders assumed only white Southern presidents could make progress . He says they never anticipated election of an African - American president .