Boston Common made history on Friday with the unveiling of the “The Embrace” monument, a powerful homage to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, symbolizing the love they shared with the world.
Dignitaries from across Massachusetts joined the King family for the inauguration of the 20-ton statue in Boston Common, the site of the Kings’ first date and in proximity to the Parkman Bandstand, where Dr. King spoke in 1965.
Former Governor Deval Patrick expressed, “May this monument serve as a reminder to us, even here, that history is best remembered by our embraces and that we still possess the capacity and the call to love.”
The monument holds profound significance as it physically embodies the legacy of the Kings, whose legendary activism and leadership in Birmingham, Selma, Washington, and nationwide propelled the civil rights movement to new heights.
Yolanda King, the teenage granddaughter of the Kings, remarked, “I was talking to my parents about how this is almost like Love 360, because this monument is dedicated to their love, and we really need more love in the world.”
Martin Luther King III, acknowledging Boston as the place where his parents met, emphasized, “Boston became the place where they forged a partnership that changed America.”
Designed by artist Hank Willis Thomas, The Embrace depicts the intertwined arms of the Kings, inspired by a photo capturing the couple’s joyful moment after winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
The inauguration ceremony, a family affair, featured messages from Thomas’ young daughter and heartfelt expressions of love from the artist to the King family. The event also included an interfaith procession through the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common, emphasizing the broader community’s alignment with the Kings’ vision.
The 22-foot bronze sculpture, situated in a circular granite plaza, transcends a traditional monument, honoring not only MLK’s life but also 65 additional Boston leaders. “The Embrace” stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and serves as a testament to the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.