Barack Obama, Bernice A. King and more remember Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his death
On the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death, celebrities, politicians, activists and more share thoughts on the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Commemorations, events, speeches and more are being held today in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The civil rights leader was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. He was just 39.
From Memphis to King’s hometown of Atlanta and beyond, many have remembered his work and inspirational speeches, plus ways to further his goals for civil rights today.
Former President Barack Obama released a video today via the Obama Foundation discussing Dr. King and his impact. The video comes from a meeting he had Monday with students from Washington’s Ron Brown College Preparatory High School.
In the video, the nation’s first black president reflects on Dr. King along with Congressman John Lewis.
One key quote from the video is Obama urging the students to get past any worries of causing controversy, expressing how important the work they have ahead is.
"If you are speaking on behalf of social justice, then by definition there’s going to be some controversy because if it wasn’t controversial, then somebody would have already fixed it. Dr. King was controversial, but he studied and thought and crafted what he had to say. He knew, when he spoke, he was expressing a truth as well as he could know it."
Bernice A. King paid tribute to her father with touching photos in vibrant color. She shared moments of him lifting her up as a little girl to her leaning her head against his statue.
Such an honor to have had you as a father and to still have you as a teacher. I greatly admire your courage and strength to love, and I learn from you daily. In the words of Maya Angelou, I “can be and be better because you existed.” Thank you. Miss you. #MLK #MLK50Forward pic.twitter.com/n9qD2X199z
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) April 4, 2018
Former Vice President Joe Biden shared his thoughts on King as well via Twitter.
Dr. King was proof that the promise of America can beat so strongly in the heart of one person they can move this nation. We can all -- 300 plus million Americans -- honor Dr. King’s legacy by remembering that today. #MLK50
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 4, 2018
Below are more statements, thoughts and reflections on Dr. King as well as photos and videos from events held today in his honor.
Fifty years later, Dr. King continues to challenge us. Now is not the time to throw up our hands, it's the time to roll up our sleeves. #MLK50
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 4, 2018
#MLK50: Our Brother Martin Luther King Jr. was only 39 years old when he was assassinated on this day 50 years ago. pic.twitter.com/bof40Ohd0v
— COMMON (@common) April 4, 2018
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King Jr. He spoke out against injustices the world over, even against apartheid South Africa. He lived by the mantra he coined "an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" pic.twitter.com/u3Zvqpy53Y
— Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) April 4, 2018
Remember, reflect, re-commit to making Martin’s dream a reality!#MLK50 #Memphis pic.twitter.com/R08zR86U8k
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 4, 2018
Hearing what’s on the minds of young people in Memphis before we march for #MLK50. pic.twitter.com/51fpJg89Js
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 4, 2018
Teens and adults march 50 miles from Mississippi to Memphis to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. "These guys will be able to say, 50 years from now, they were part of making history around Dr. King’s legacy." https://t.co/p5FQzINgnl pic.twitter.com/PhJsmRVnr4
— ABC News (@ABC) April 4, 2018
Several dozen have started gathering ahead of a silent march in Washington, D.C. to honor the day Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated 50 years ago.
— Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) April 4, 2018
The group will march from the MLK monument to the National Mall pic.twitter.com/R22dMupVSr
Related Story: Why we admire Maya Angelou
We thank Dr. King for his inspirational words and incredible achievements.