When Mary Ola Key died on Nov. 19, 1968, in Florence, Alabama, she left behind more than a century of memories, a church she helped name, generations of descendants, and a connection to one of America’s most celebrated musicians.

“What I hate about situations like this is people will tell Black folks, 'Don't overreact.' "That's not what he meant,” Charlamagne said. “But how come the mistakes always got to do with something that removes our rights?” He added, “Nobody ever accidentally says, you know what? I hope everybody gets free health care. I hope everybody gets free reparations.”