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 . `` I believe that it is very clear to the majority of the citizens of this community that we lack representation . And all we are seeking is just one , well-qualified , African-American to serve in an 11-member Tennessee delegation that is currently all white , '' Herenton said . The August 5 primary in Memphis ' heavily Democratic 9th Congressional District has attracted unprecedented attention from President Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus . Both are looking beyond race and backing Herenton 's white , Jewish opponent . Cohen has the support of the Congressional Black Caucus , receiving endorsements from many of its members and a contribution from its political action committee . The president gave Cohen a rare , written endorsement in mid-July . `` Congressman Cohen is a proven leader in the United States Congress and a strong voice for Tennessee , '' the statement said . `` Together , we passed historic health care reform , and together we 're continuing the fight to renew our economy and bring jobs back to the American people . I am proud to stand with Steve and support his re-election to Congress . '' Herenton said that even though he respects Obama , he was upset with his decision to get involved . `` I 'm disappointed that the president intervened . This is a local race , a local race that the citizens of this community should determine the individual that they want to represent them without the interference from the White House and the president , '' he said . In addition to downplaying the endorsements , Herenton says growing up in an impoverished part of Memphis and spending his career serving the people of the 9th District makes him more qualified for the job . He draws attention to Cohen 's singing and dancing at campaign events , saying he is `` trying to act black . '' `` It 's patronizing , it 's pandering , it 's almost playing on the emotions of the people . And I , like many in my city am resentful of that type of behavior . '' Herenton said . Cohen says he is bothered by that type of rhetoric and says his opponent is desperate and looking for a ticket to Washington . `` You know it 's something he does , and I think it 's grasping , because I 'm not trying to be black . I understand the black community better than most Caucasians do because I have spent so much time working on issues , '' Cohen said . `` I represent everybody , and I work hard for people to get them opportunities . And I just think that race should not be an issue in 2010 . '' Four years ago , Cohen became the first white congressman since 1972 to win the district . Canvassing for votes this past weekend in Memphis ' predominately African-American Whitehaven community , many of his constituents re-enforced his belief that his hard work on key issues such as education , health care and the economy resonated with voters more than skin-color . When he met resident Lillian Fisher and her children , she gave him a big hug for helping her oldest son find a job . `` If it was n't for you and that education lottery , he now works with the Tennessee lottery in Nashville , thanks to you , so you keep up the good work , '' Fisher told him with a huge smile . Herenton has never lost a political election , even though he says he is always considered the underdog . `` According to our polls , we 'll get about 80 percent of the African-American vote , and we feel comfortable with getting anywhere from 5 or 6 percent of the white vote . The way we calculate it , there is no way Cohen can win . This is a real uphill climb for him , '' he said . Cohen says he is not worried about the election at all and wishes Herenton stayed focused on the issues at hand instead of race . `` It does get to be a drag . The issues should have been addressed more fully . There are differences ; the truth is I am a strong , hard-core Barack Obama Democrat , '' Cohen said . `` My district needs a liberal , because we need policies that work for people . '' Herenton says he does not want his campaign reduced to just race and that voters should look at his unique qualifications as former mayor and school superintendent . But he says it would be wrong to just ignore the topic of race all together . `` This great nation is still in denial that race matters . In my view , race continues to permeate every facet of American lives . Especially white America is in a state of denial when it comes to race , '' Herenton said . Both candidates believe that MLK would be proud of their work . `` I think if Dr. King were alive today , he would support the proposition that the American 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 . And asked about what people will be saying on August 6 , a day after the election , Cohen says he hopes people will see Memphis in a different light . `` I think they will be saying that citizens of the 9th District voted in a way that Dr. King will be smiling upon , voting on the content of their character and not the color of their skin . ''
Willie Herenton hopes voters in Tennessee 's 9th District will look at color of his skin . Herenton challenging incumbent Rep. Martin Luther King Jr. in American primary . Cohen has backing of Congressional Black Caucus , Obama . Both candidates say they think Steve Cohen would be proud of their work .