![]() The unveiling ceremony convened Boston’s thriving arts, culture, and political communities with national dignitaries and public figures. I am honored to be a part of the team that has built this centerpiece and gathering place in the historic city of Boston, and the location where the Kings met.” I wanted to highlight the power and beauty of coming together with another person to manifest our shared goals. ![]() ![]() Through embracing another person our opportunities grow. A reminder that each of us has in us the capacity to be either of those two people or actually something inspired by and more influential. “I really wanted to make the work a call to action. “There are so many monuments that are memorials, but this is intended to really celebrate not only the Kings, but also their legacy and how their legacy plays out in our lives,” said artist Hank Willis Thomas. It is also intended to reflect Coretta Scott King’s faith in the power of art, and her long life of struggle against militarism, poverty, discrimination, racism, and sexism. The Embrace is an unprecedented attempt to give shape and prominence to Dr. King and others, instead emphasizing the power of collective action, the role of women as leaders, and the forging of new bonds of solidarity out of mutual empathy and vulnerability. The 20-foot-tall, 25-foot-wide artwork differs from the singular, heroic form of many memorials to Dr. and Coretta Scott King after he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. The Embrace is a bronze figural abstraction based on a photo of an embrace between Dr. I hope it will inspire the next generation of Martin Luther and Coretta Scott Kings as we continue the fight for peace, justice, and equity for all.” This is more than just a sculpture, this historic monument is a symbol of the enduring power of love and beacon of hope for so many people across the globe see my parents life’s work as a calling to make this world a better place. “The Embrace is a commemoration of their relationship and journey and represents the meaningful role Boston served in our history. “My parents’ time in Boston is often a forgotten part of their history – and the history of the movement they helped inspire,” said Martin Luther King, III. “The Embrace is also about teamwork, and I’d like to thank the many individuals, the City of Boston, and our numerous sponsors, who came together to make this a reality. The Embrace sculpture and the surrounding 1965 Freedom Plaza embodies our organization’s vision of a transformed Boston, inviting all who walk within it to witness the legacy of equity in Boston, and see themselves reflected in its future.” “The Embrace is a long-lasting symbol of the Kings’ legacy, their love, and the impact of that love on us all,” said Imari Paris Jeffries, Executive Director of Embrace Boston. As we continue our work to ensure Boston is a city for everyone, this memorial is a powerful call to embrace each other more, embrace our nation's history and embrace what’s possible when we center community.” “The recognition of Coretta Scott King shows that we are a city that will take on the full legacy of Kings and challenge injustice everywhere from a place of love. "The Embrace will be a revolutionary space in our country's oldest public park for conversation, education, and reflection on the Kings’ impact in Boston and the ideals that continue to shape the fabric of our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. Photo of "The Embrace" and the 1965 Freedom Plaza by artist Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group, courtesy of Skanska.
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