“Happy Birthday” was written by Stevie Wonder to popularize the campaign (in which he was significantly involved) to make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
s birthday a national holiday. In November 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into existence. The first official Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was January 20, 1986 and a commemorative concert featuring Stevie Wonder was held. Stevie Wonder also performed the song in October 2011 at the dedication ceremony for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. “Happy Birthday” also appears on the album Hotter Than July.

Originally posted April 5, 2008

I had the wonderful experience of checking out the museum exhibit of the “King Papers” last year when they were here in Atlanta. I can truly say it was a profound moment. One I will never forget. In remembrance of Dr. King’s life and the 40th anniversary of his assassination, I want to share a letter written by him that spoke not only then but in our present day as well. It was written shortly after two teenagers died within the riots.

An Open Letter to Negro Youth

I do not ask you to cool it, on the contrary, I urge you to become active in the freedom movement and to make it an irresistible power. I urge you to be prepared to use your great energy in nonviolent mass action protest in your community.

You can march in the streets and make this nation aware of your just grievances. You can help mobilize your elders to go to the polls and to put their voting power to work for you. You can organize at the grass roots level and demand police protection and respect. You can call for justice and freedom now.

The future of the Negro people may well rest in your hands. It’s up to you.

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King was a great civil rights leader but more than that, he was a prophetic and prolific voice that still stands today. Incredibly, he was probably one of the most profound thinkers of our time. And with a unique blend, he was a combination of Christian servant hood, intellectualism, and relevance in a chaotic time in America. Sometimes we ask the question, “what would Martin say about this issue or that in our present world?” With all our searching, we may never think that maybe Dr. King already answered those questions. It is said in an ancient scripture, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Whether it’s the “Vietnam War” or the “war in Iraq”, issues may come in different forms but it’s still the same issues. Maybe if we read the road map of his words, his speeches, and some of his sermons, we might find he’s already given answer to the issues we see today.

Rest in peace, Dr. King…..

Originally posted in 2010.

This powerful clip speaks for itself. I hope you’re able to watch it in it’s entirety.

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Thanks to Dr. Billy Taylor and JazzVideoGuy for this excellent tribute.

Catch the classic “King Holiday” all star tribute from 1986 after the break.

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Many of us have seen countless renditions of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but never quite like this. The stage production, “I Dream” is a theatrical blend of history and music that travels through the hardships and triumphs of “a preacher from Atlanta” who would later become the voice of a movement. The production begins with a “young” Martin trying to find his way while being nestled in the racially charged culture of the South. In an effort to seek his path, we see not only his experiences but the cultivating relationships that would later sculpt his dream.

One of those voices was played beautifully by indie soul vocalist and musician, Avery Sunshine. Her role as the uplifting “Grandma” was so fitting of Avery’s talent in touching the heart and emotional chords of a song. From her performance of “Sunday Best” to the sentimental “Midnight Moon”, you forgot it was Avery and really connected to the warmth of the character she portrayed. As things progress, we began to see the emergence of a “self-assured” Martin as he finds his call not only through the struggle for freedom but in his own personal trials.

Played by Quentin Earl Darrington, we start to further relate with King’s inward turmoil as a man desiring to protect his family and a leader who must sacrifice in the performance of “An Attack At Midnight”. Complimentary in statue was “House of Payne” cast member, Demetria McKinney who played “Coretta Scott King”. I was truly blown away by her vocal strength in the selection, “A Man Like You”. Hands down, this was her shining moment and in my opinion a wonderful testament to Coretta’s beauty and power within King’s life. Overall this Douglas Tappin production directed through the infectious passion of Jasmine Guy is a must see! Through the foundational element of music, “the story of a preacher from Atlanta” ties us not only to the greatness of this man but a God-inspired dream!

Please be sure to check out “I Dream” at the Alliance Stage of the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta and see some of our pics of some notable guests such as Bernice King, Jasmine Guy, Christine King Farris and others at the “after-show” reception. (more…)

“I Dream” is a musical celebration and journey through the life and work of a man whose prophetic and historical significance has become legend. The story of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is now a self-proclaimed rhythm-and-blues opera opening in Atlanta on July 9, 2010. The musical features GFM fave Avery Sunshine. (more…)