Summary

The article discusses "The Embrace," a 20-foot sculpture in Boston Common dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, conceived by artist Hank Willis Thomas, which evokes a powerful emotional response and serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

Abstract

"The Embrace," a towering sculpture on Boston Common, is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Conceived by artist Hank Willis Thomas, the sculpture stands as a symbol of love and unity, inspired by a photograph of the couple embracing after Dr. King's Nobel Peace Prize win in 1964. The author, Bruce Coulter, describes his personal experience of the memorial, emphasizing its emotional impact and the respect it commands. Despite initial skepticism and criticism from some, the sculpture's profound significance is underscored by its connection to the Kings' history in Boston and the current context of racial injustice, as exemplified by the recent death of Tyre Nichols. The article calls for reflection on the Kings' contributions to civil rights and the ongoing need for social change.

Opinions

The author, Bruce Coulter, suggests that critics should be ignored, emphasizing the importance of personal experience over critical reviews.
Coulter initially had no expectations about "The Embrace" but found the sculpture to be a moving tribute after visiting it himself.
The author expresses annoyance at visitors taking selfies at the memorial, considering it disrespectful, yet makes an exception for people of color who understand the struggle of being Black in America.
The inclusion of photos of Tyre Nichols at the memorial serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against police brutality and racial injustice.
Coulter is moved by the sculpture's ability to capture the love between Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, considering it a remarkable and unforgettable memorial.
The article encourages readers to engage with the content by clapping and commenting, and it promotes a charitable organization, "Dining for Hunger," suggesting the author's commitment to social causes beyond the memorial itself.

MODERN ART

The King Tribute Will Embrace Your Heart and Soul

Critics like to hear the sound of their own voices. Ignore them.

**Perhaps the heart shape from this angle was deliberate. The Embrace is a wonderful tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King on Boston Common.** © Bruce Coulter Photography

I had no idea what to expect when I saw The Embrace, the magical piece of art honoring the late Rev. Martin Luther King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. After reading several articles, one of which was disrespectful to the King family, I decided I had to see it for myself.

The Embrace is a tribute conceived by artist Hank Willis Thomas, who, according to the Boston Globe, sketched out his idea for the first time at the invitation of Boston-based MASS Design Group.

According to the Boston Globe, a photo of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta, embracing during a news conference following the announcement that he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 inspired Hank Wills Thomas’s design for “The Embrace.”

Readers can find the Globe story here.

From a distance, the sculpture didn’t look particularly impressive. As I got closer, I could see how it towered above the common at 20 feet. If there was ever a reason for me to buy a drone, today was it.

But I was grounded, requiring that I change my point of view to show off the size of The Embrace.

**“The Embrace, located on Boston Common, stands 20 feet tall.** © Bruce Coulter Photography

I admit I was annoyed by the number of visitors who needed to take selfies. Given the legacy of MLK and Coretta Scott King, I thought it was disrespectful. Frankly, I wasn’t bothered when people of color took selfies. They understand what it’s like to be Black in America. As a reminder of their plight, two photos of Tyre Nichols were placed against the inner wall of the King tribute.

**Tyre Nichols died on Jan. 10, three days after being beaten by a group of Memphis police officers.** © Bruce Coulter Photography

Nichols died on Jan. 10, three days after being chased down, tased, and beaten by Black police officers in Memphis for no apparent reason. He screamed for his mother during the attack that ended just 80 feet from his mother’s house.

The more I looked at the tribute to the Kings, I could feel the power of its embrace — the love of two people for each other. It’s a remarkable memorial to the Kings.

**Inscription on the interior wall surrounding “The Embrace.”** © Bruce Coulter Photography

For those asking why The Embrace calls Boston home, the Kings attended college in Boston; MLK earned his Ph.D. from Boston University. Coretta Scott King attended New England Conservatory, earning her bachelor of music degree in music education.

I’ve seen a lot in my lifetime, but visiting The Embrace was more than I might have expected from a memorial. It’s not one I’ll soon forget.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by. Lay 50 claps on me and comment if you would please. I will return the favor. Cheers!

I accept tips, which go directly to Dining for Hunger, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. If you can spare a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.

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