Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Monday of January. This year, the holiday is on January 19, giving every American an opportunity to revisit the legacy of Dr. King in the advancement of the civil rights movement in the USA. Along with many other entities, the KOA Art Gallery at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford opens a thematic photo exhibition to commemorate Dr. King’s memory and share the hidden pages of his political and private life with the audience of followers.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Landmark Figure of the Civil Rights Movement
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., amplified the voices of millions of segregated and discriminated Black Americans in the 1960s, laying the foundation for a massive, nationwide civil rights movement. The wave of protest calling for the reconsideration of deeply established injustices started with the struggle for racial equality, but quickly expanded to the rights of women, workers, the LGBT community, etc. The charisma and passion of Dr. King made a strong impact across the USA, while his nonviolent activist protest became a powerful push for the transformation of American society.
Exhibition of Dr. King’s Photographs at the KOA Art Gallery
On January 20, the KOA Art Gallery opens a thematic exhibition of Dr. King’s photographs throughout his journey in the US civil rights advocacy. The displayed collection is on loan from Manchester Bidwell Corporation, through the courtesy of photographer Ben Fernandez. The exhibition, titled “Countdown to Eternity, Photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” offers a comprehensive, private view of Dr. King during various moments of his activities, from contemplation to pride and triumph. The collection also contains a series of emotional photos of Dr. King’s family mourning his death.
The KOA Art Gallery is located in Blaisdell Hall, serving as an educational venue for the students of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. It is open from 8:30 am to 8 pm, Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 am to 5 pm on Friday.
Other Ways to Pay Tribute to Dr. King’s Legacy
What else do Americans do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Excellent ways to pay tribute to Dr. King include participation in community services as a volunteer or attending educational programs and discussion panels held at schools, colleges, and universities to reflect on the importance of civil rights advocacy and nonviolent activism. Parades and marches are also held in many American cities, accompanied by cultural programming and speeches. Some citizens choose to visit memorials and official ceremonies, where the government leaders and community representatives lay a wreath and hold remembrance events.