The Villager Voice
Today marks the unveiling, on Boston Common, of “The Embrace,” a bronze sculpture that recognizes and honors the life and work of Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King. The couple met, and began their long careers in civil rights, in Boston. Martin was pursuing his doctoral degree at Boston University while also preaching at Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, and Coretta was studying at the New England Conservatory. The sculpture was created by artist Hank Willis Thomas, and was inspired by a photograph of the Kings in mid-embrace at the moment they learned Dr. King had won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
One of the things I appreciate about the piece is that it honors both Kings for their commitment to civil rights. We readily recognize Martin’s immense contribution to the cause; we’ll be talking more about this Sunday. But Coretta’s contribution cannot be overlooked. A conversation with then-Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy led to the registration and mobilization of thousands of African-American voters in the 1960 election. She took up her husband’s work after his assassination and expanded it as she worked against apartheid and supported efforts to establish and expand LGBTQ rights. And she was tireless in her endeavor to establish the MLK holiday celebrating his birth. So it is fitting that they both be celebrated in the city where they met and fell in love.
A couple quick reminders: please remember to return your 2023 pledge card if you haven’t already, it will really help our Trustees manage church expenses and assist our ongoing mission and ministry. As well, next Sunday January 22 at 1:00 we celebrate the life of long time member Phyllis Webb.
Here are the links to this week’s bulletin and service: