He was killed, not because he was leading blacks somewhere important. But because he was stopping them from going somewhere. He had gained enought notoriety and influence that many blacks were listening to him.
He instructed the blacks to protest the War in Vietnam by not enlisting. A majority of the military force was being made up of young blacks enlisting.
Plans had been made, money had been spent, weapons were being bought, and now the players weren't going to show up ! Can't have that ! ! ! !
OFF the distractor !!! Put a new ringmaster in place. One that we already have in our pocket. One that is greedy and lustful. (yep, you guessed it, J.J.)
Well, it worked. The poverty pimps have been running the Soul Circus ever since ! ! ! ! ! !