Today, we honor the true legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his fight to dismantle white supremacy, and his immeasurable influence on the Native American rights movement. "Our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. Even before there were large numbers of Negroes on our shores, the scar of racial hatred had already disfigured colonial society" -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Why We Can't Wait” (1963) Illustration by @Dearte_ Artist Statement: "I am a member of the Gila River Indian Community, Black, Akimel O’odham, and Tohono O’odham. Inspiration for the artwork: As an artist who is Black and Native I did not have a lot of representation of inspirational leaders on a global scale. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the first historical leaders I learned and admire. As he used his voice to make change happen in my community, I aspire to do the same with my artwork. I am not much of a speaker so I try to allow my art to reach others without having to communicate verbally. I am empowered by his legacy and advocacy because it serves as a reminder that with perseverance, dedication and resilience anything is possible. I hope that others are reminded by his courage and words that he not only made change happen but he spread hope." #BlackLivesMatter #IHaveADream #MLKDay #MLKDay2023