Established heavyweights in entertainment and politics have paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. five decades after his assassination.
In his time, the civil rights leader was a highly controversial figure whose accomplishments translated to him getting edged out by the political class. In fact, most of the country disapproved of him and his systematic use of nonviolence at the time of his assassination. However, his innumerable contributions to the progression of worldwide civil rights have earned him a place in the hearts of many, including celebrities.
Michelle & Barack Obama Join The World In Remembering The Efforts Of Martin Luther King
From delivering an impactful and unforgettable “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom to accepting a Nobel Peace Prize in December 1964, MLK — as he is fondly called — definitely left a mark on the world.
So much so that people endlessly clamored for Martin Luther King Jr. Day to be signed into law until President Ronald Reagan took action in 1983. Despite that, it was in 1986 that the first holiday was observed.
Since then, the third Monday in January has been reserved for participants to have introspective moments about the legacy and words of one of the most renowned change makers of the 20th century.
For this year’s observance, several celebrities jumped on their social media platforms to post quotes from King while encouraging their followers and fans to reflect on them.
Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama shared a motion picture highlighting MLK’s quote on voting during elections with a caption that partly read:
“This #MLKDay, I hope you will join me in honoring the life and legacy of Reverend. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by taking at least one action to support and uplift your community-whether it’s volunteering to tutor students at your local school or texting three friends to remind them to check their voter registration through @WhenWeAlIVote. There are so many ways to give back and I hope you’ll make a commitment to do just that this year.”
Michelle was joined by her husband, Barack Obama, who uploaded multiple pictures featuring a cross-section of people of color during a prep session for an MLK event. In his caption, the father-of-two wrote:
“Today we pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. King, and reflect on the lessons he taught us. Thanks to everyone who joined the @ObamaFoundation to help pack food, write notes, and lend a hand in Chicago.”
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – MLK Jr,” Ciara quoted over a picture of the clergyman on her Instagram Story.
In addition to sharing a black-and-white pic of the activist receiving a kiss on the cheek from his wife, Coretta Scott King, Will Smith had a snippet of his speech in the background.
MLK enthusiastically encouraged listeners to “never fight with falsehood and violence and hate and malice, but always fight with love so that when the day comes, and the walls of segregation are completely crumbled in Montgomery, we will be able to live with people as brothers.”
“This,” Heather Rae Young wrote across a post-it note with the words, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ – MLK.” Meanwhile, Amanda Kloots shared an Instagram post with the caption:
“since 2020 the words “Keep moving forward” have been on my white board. A daily reminder to throw my shoulders back, lift my chin up and go. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. used this phrase in his speech at a college rally when he said, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” In fact, he is motivating the youth [to] refrain from becoming pessimistic, urging them to move forward, and to fight for their rights and justice.”
The Baptist Minister’s Family Are Not Fans Of The Recently Unveiled Statue Honoring Him
On Friday, a statue designed by Hank Willis Thomas to honor MLK’s relationship with his wife was unveiled on Friday, January 13, in Boston. Called “The Embrace,” it was inspired by a picture of the couple sharing a hug after Martin learned of his Nobel Peace Prize win.
Unfortunately, instead of getting applauded by MLK supporters, it drew criticism, with many having an issue with the lack of depicting the activist’s entire body.
According to The Washington Post, others took a more vulgar stance, with Coretta’s cousin Seneca slamming it in a published essay, “A Masturbatory ‘Homage’ to My Family.”
After noting that it was “rather insulting” to his family, the Oakland Mayoral candidate said that the “sculpture is an especially egregious example of the woke machine’s callousness and vanity” that was nothing but an expensive albeit empty gesture to him.
The 22-foot statue had allegedly cost $10 million — £8.1 million — to create.
