The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King

The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King (triptych) by Samuel Adoquei

This artistic tribute to Dr. King stands out to me today. I couldn’t give a better explanation than the artist does of this rendition. Read the whole article and explanation here. Here’s an excerpt:

“The two small side panels represent students of today. Before Dr. King, only a few students from all racial backgrounds and genders could obtain an education in the U.S. Now, women and nearly every ethnic group are represented in almost every educational institution. The figures/students include several ethnic groups - Irish, Italian, Asian, African (self-portrait), Russian. The Indian helper at Dr. King’s feet represents Gandhi’s influence on Dr. King.

Several other examples of contemporary uses of classical allegorical symbols can be found in the painting. The three poles in the far distance, for example, allude to crucifix ion. I included several birds, but instead of the ideal white dove — which is a traditional symbol of freedom, peace, and good news — the birds here are colorful pigeons. They are tied up with string and waiting to be released, representing the freedom yet to come, after Dr. King’s death. The only excited birds are the semi-white ones (not the black pigeon with the string at the foot of the figure), knowing that for African-Americans, freedom would not come easily.

In this scene of Dr. King about to end his journey here on earth, the skull/skeleton represents a welcoming from other leaders to the new world Dr. King is about to enter. The skull also reminds us that it was once as we are, and that one day we will be as it is. The skull also represents the idea that when we look at ourselves in the mirror and imagine the structure underneath our different colors and shades of skin, we can realize how humble, similar, and equal we all are.”