𝔹𝕃𝔸ℂ𝕂

ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴜʟᴛᴜʀᴇ

[𝔹𝕃𝔸ℂ𝕂 @undefinedime]

We're all headed to the same place. 🫂

[The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center @TheKingCenter]

On this day in 1958, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was stabbed in the chest by Izola Curry while signing copies of “Stride Toward Freedom” at a department store in Harlem.

The seven-inch blade came dangerously close to his aorta. Doctors later said that a sneeze or cough could have proved fatal.

Dr. King survived. But what followed became an enduring testament to the power of nonviolence.

From his hospital room, Dr. King expressed no hatred toward Curry. Instead, he spoke of her humanity and expressed hope that she would receive the help she needed. His response is a reminder that nonviolence is not weakness. It is the courageous decision to reject hatred, even when hatred has been directed at you.

Today, we remember Dr. King’s survival—and recommit ourselves to the work he yielded his life to advance:

HEAL HUMANITY.
HONOR TRUTH.
PRIORITIZE JUSTICE.
PRACTICE NONVIOLENCE.

The work continues. The Beloved Community is still possible—and it requires all of us.

#TheKingCenter #MartinLutherKingJr #MLK #Nonviolence #BelovedCommunity #CorettaScottKing

2nd photo: A letter opener protruding from his chest, Dr. King was treated at W. 123rd St. police station. (Photo by Vernoll Coleman/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

3rd photo: Martin Luther King Jr. recovers from surgery in bed at Harlem Hospital in New York City on September 21, 1958, following an operation to remove a letter opener from his chest. (John Lent / AP)

4th photo: New York Governor Averell Harriman, left, talks with the Rev. Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King in Harlem Hospital, New York, Sept. 22, 1958. (AP Photo/Ray Howard)

[The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center @TheKingCenter]

The King Center proudly reveals the signature graphic and theme for the 2027 King Holiday Observance:

BE LOVE

HEAL HUMANITY
HONOR TRUTH
PRIORITIZE JUSTICE
PRACTICE NONVIOLENCE365

This is more than a theme. It is a call to embody love as a force for transformation.

In a world desperately in need of healing, truth, justice, and peace, we are called not simply to speak about love, but to live it in how we think, speak, act, organize, lead, and engage one another.

As we prepare to commemorate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we invite people around the world to join us in answering this call.

BE LOVE.

Heal what has been wounded.
Honor what is true.
Prioritize what is just.
Practice the way of nonviolence.

Together, we can create the Beloved Community.

••••••••••••••

More about the Signature Graphic from designer, Larmarrous Shirley, and King Center CEO, Dr. Bernice A. King, who worked closely together on the graphic:

Color Palette Symbolism

The visual identity utilizes four vibrant colors that reflect both the emotional spirit of the theme and the work of building the Beloved Community.

Green symbolizes life, renewal, restoration, and hope.

As the color of growth and healing, green reflects humanity’s ability to recover, reconcile, and flourish together. It represents communities becoming stronger through compassion, empathy, and shared responsibility.

Keywords:
Healing • Renewal • Growth • Compassion • Hope

Gold represents light, generosity, wisdom, and the immeasurable value of every human life.

Rather than simply expressing affection, “Be Love” calls people to demonstrate courageous love through service, sacrifice, and community. Gold evokes warmth and reminds viewers that love has the power to illuminate darkness.

Keywords:
Love • Light • Kindness • Unity • Human dignity

Red symbolizes courage, conviction, sacrifice, and moral urgency.

Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, justice required extraordinary bravery. Red reminds viewers that meaningful change demands action, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to equality and human rights.

Keywords:
Justice • Courage • Sacrifice • Determination • Action

Blue represents truth, wisdom, peace, stability, and trust.

Truth creates understanding, while nonviolence creates lasting peace. Together, these principles provide the moral foundation for building the Beloved Community. Blue serves as a visual reminder that authentic leadership begins with honesty and is sustained through peaceful action.

Keywords:
Truth • Peace • Integrity • Wisdom • Nonviolence

Why Stained Glass?

For centuries, stained-glass windows have been used in sacred spaces to communicate stories of faith, hope, sacrifice, and redemption through light and color. Long before widespread literacy, these luminous works of art helped teach spiritual values and inspire communities by transforming ordinary sunlight into vibrant expressions of meaning.

In the King Holiday visual identity, stained glass serves as a powerful metaphor for the Beloved Community. Just as individual pieces of colored glass are distinct yet united to create one beautiful image, every person contributes unique gifts, experiences, and perspectives that strengthen the whole. When illuminated by light, the fragmented pieces become a cohesive work of art—reflecting the transformative power of love, truth, justice, healing, and nonviolence.

The stained-glass aesthetic also honors the deep connection between Dr. King, Mrs. King, and the faith tradition that shaped their leadership. Rooted in the church and inspired by the teachings of Jesus, the philosophy of nonviolence calls people to answer hatred with love, division with reconciliation, and injustice with courageous action. The interplay of light through stained glass becomes a visual representation of hope breaking through darkness, reinforcing the spiritual foundation of the King legacy and the enduring call to build the Beloved Community.

#BeLove #KingHoliday2027 #TheKingCenter #MLK #CorettaScottKing #BelovedCommunity #Nonviolence365 #HealHumanity #HonorTruth #PrioritizeJustice #PracticeNonviolence365

[Barack Obama @BarackObama]

Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family.

We got Sunny at the start of our second term in the White House, and all of us – including our first dog, Bo – immediately fell in love. We also had trouble keeping up with her, for Sunny was a force of nature. Athletic and full of boundless energy, she leapt over the hedges on the South Lawn like they weren’t even there, chasing squirrels, birds and anything else that moved. And whereas the way to Bo’s heart usually involved a treat, Sunny was more interested in having us run around with her, roll on the floor with her, or have her belly rubbed for as long as we were willing.

She loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping. She loved our team, and would often follow them around, helping them on the job. She was fiercely protective of Bo, who she rightly sensed wasn’t always as alert and attentive as she was. She had her eccentricities: other than Bo, she preferred people to dogs; she was a loud and sloppy drinker; and despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, she hated getting wet.

But as far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect, and for thirteen years, she would be by our side – always loyal, always sweet, always ready for adventure, still fiery and gorgeous till the very end of her days.

We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay.

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

Daddy’s commitment to nonviolence was not passive. It was a disciplined methodology, shaped by faith, love, and a determination to confront injustice without becoming what we oppose.

That work still calls us to practice nonviolence as a way of life.

#SundayWithKing #MLK #Nonviolence365 #BelovedCommunity

[The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center @TheKingCenter]

Music helps power movement work. This brief clip with Mahalia Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remind us of that. #MahaliaJackson #MLK #TheKingCenter

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

Remembering my grandmother, Alberta Williams King, on what would have been her 122nd birthday. Her faith, strength, and love helped shape our family and the generations that followed. I honor her life and legacy today.

#AlbertaWilliamsKing #KingFamily #MLK

[The Obama Foundation @ObamaFoundation]

In 2009, @BarackObama established this day as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by passing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.

Since then, thousands upon thousands of Americans have volunteered their talents and time to transform a moment of collective grief into an act of community good.

Tell us in the comments what you’re doing to make today about service and remembrance.

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

As conflict continues to escalate, civilians are once again paying the price.

Enough.

More bombs will not create lasting peace. More retaliation will not make people safer. Leaders must have the courage to choose diplomacy, deescalation, and dialogue before more lives are lost.

#Diplomacy #Deescalation #Peace #HumanDignity #Nonviolence365

[BeyGOOD @BeyGood]

Holiday shopping is upon us! Need a gift?

Tag your favorite Black Parade Route Grantee.

Get to shopping.❄️🎄

#HappyHolidays #Holidays

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

I missed the father daughter relationship, but I cannot imagine this world without what Daddy gave to it.

In this conversation, I shared why I take his life, sacrifice, and legacy so seriously. I believe what he left us through his teachings on nonviolence, justice, and love remains critical to the survival of our humanity.

#MLK

[BeyGOOD @BeyGood]

Today BeyGOOD Foundation, founded by Beyoncé, is announcing a donation of $200,000 to help with relief efforts in Indiana.

[Maya Angelou @DrMayaAngelou]

📚 This #NationalLiteracyMonth, we celebrate the power of reading, learning, and access to stories that help us understand ourselves and one another.

As "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" continues to face bans and restrictions, Dr. Maya Angelou’s legacy reminds us why the freedom to read matters.

Every reader deserves the opportunity to find the book that helps them discover their voice. 🕊️

#MayaAngelou #FreedomToRead

[The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center @TheKingCenter]

We, too, have the audacity to believe…Do you?

#MLK #AudacityToBelieve #CreativeMaladjustment #TheKingCenter

[JOHN KANI OIS OBE @KANI_ELDER]

What an honour. At the Apartheid Museum we have the Nelson Mandela Exhibition, the George Bizos Gallery and now the John Kani Gallery. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ® @apa1906NETwork]

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. congratulates Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Soror Justus Kelley on being crowned Miss USA 2026. She is a former Miss Old Gold & Black 2015 for the Gamma Eta Chapter at Indiana University.  

#APA1906Network
#MissUSA
#MenOfDistinction

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

What was done to our ancestors did not end when slavery ended. Its consequences have continued through systems, institutions, and inequities that still shape lives today.

Reparative justice is broader than financial compensation. It can include truth-seeking, opening historical archives, institutional reform, and confronting persistent racial inequality.

We cannot tell people to move on from history while refusing to address what history built.

Reparative justice requires truth, responsibility, and meaningful action. It is not about remaining trapped in the past. It is about refusing to allow unresolved injustice to keep determining the future.

May we honor who we are, tell the truth about what our ancestors endured, and continue working toward justice and repair.

Source: The Guardian

#Reparations #PeopleOfAfricanDescent #RacialJustice #HumanDignity #BelovedCommunity

[JOHN KANI OIS OBE @KANI_ELDER]

Thank you Marvel Universe for remembering my Birthday 🙏🏿🌹🌹🌹

[Big D Moné @MercedesVarnado]

The world is healing

[ZARIA @ZariaWWE_]

Born to make history 🫡

[ZARIA @ZariaWWE_]

Call me the History maker