Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2015

We take a moment to celebrate a man who settled for nothing less then peace, love and justice–and forever changed the United States. Guest artist Ekua Holmes depicts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. standing in unity on our doodle to honor MLK Day.

Below Ekua shares her personal thoughts on Dr. King and the inspiration for her artwork:

No quote of Martin Luther King, Jr. resonates more for me than: 

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Its power was the inspiration for my collage featured today in his honor.

I chose to illustrate his successful march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge because it captured the strength of spirit and leadership of the man. It also acknowledges those who marched and put their lives on the line with him. The linked arms and rhythm of the hands hopefully convey a message of collaboration, strength, unity and determined action. This movement of hearts and minds led to great changes in America and around the world. As we face the complex social and racial challenges of today, we should look to this legacy for encouragement, strength, strategy and inspiration.

On a personal note, Dr. King and I share something in common: geography. The place he called home while earning his divinity degree at Boston University is just 2 blocks from my art studio in Boston's South End. He preached and mentored at 12th Baptist Church in Roxbury, 8 blocks from my home. And there he also met and fell in love with his future wife, Coretta Scott, who was studying voice at New England Conservatory of Music.

I recently learned of a neighbor and friend whose family hosted King for Sunday dinner just around the corner. While it is true that I was born a year after he earned his doctorate degree here, there is a strong connection I feel as we share as we are all greatly influenced by where we live.   

Thank you to the Google Doodle team for inviting me to illustrate for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I will always cherish this experience.

Ekua Holmes, Artist 
Roxbury, Massachusetts
www.ekuaholmes.com