A surreal and humbling honor to join in beloved community with folks this morning for the historic unveiling of The Embrace — a testament and reverence to the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King by the incredible artist Hank Willis Thomas. When we reflect on Martin and Coretta’s legacy, we recall spiritual and moral leaders, scholars and thought leaders, early architects of the Civil Rights movement. Yet too often, especially in January, Dr. King’s legacy is reduced to that of a peaceful protester with a dream. The whole truth is that Dr. King was a proud and unapologetic Black man. A prophetic preacher and radical dreamer with a bold vision and desire for revolutionary change — full inclusion, equity, a redistribution of wealth and resources, and voting rights. In word and deed, he sought to affirm that Black Lives Matter. And in the face of threats, indignity, violence, and even isolation and marginalization because of these views, Dr. King still led with love. Love of God. Love of humanity. Love of justice. In this great City of Boston, where The Embrace now stands, he found the love of his life, Ms. Coretta Scott, who became a devoted wife, trusted confidant, advisor, effective strategist, and activist in her own right. The Embrace is a reminder of their Boston origin story. Of the transformative power of Black love, a love rooted in Roxbury that went on to touch the world. It's a sacred place to derive inspiration, renew hopes for a more just future, and strengthen our resolve to do that work... (Cont’d in comments)