in washington, d.c., we're joined by justin hansford. human rights lawyer and howard university school of law professor. founder and executive director of the thurgood marshall civil rights center. professor hansford is also the first american nominated and elected to the united nations permanent forum for people of african descent. we welcome you both to democracy now! professor hansford, let's begin with you. today is the first day of black history month. last night in memphis, the family gathered in the historic mason temple where martin luther king gave his last speech, a day before he was assassinated, as they called for accountability and toy is the funeral. if you can respond to what is taking place right now and what you feel needs to happen as more and more information comes out not just the people who brutally beat him -- and we may not know everyone who did it at this point -- but also the people who stood by, whether they were emt's or other police officers or sheriff's deputies. >> first, thank you for having me. i want to s