Open Thread: The NBA celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The NBA released this spot honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.:

Although the 2019-2020 season saw so much turmoil due to the coronavirus pandemic, the NBA kept laser focus on human rights and the Black Lives Matter movement. When the NBA reconvened for its truncated season conclusion in Orlando, the court featured a tribute to the movement:

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Today, the United States celebrates a federal holiday recognizing the birthday of Civil Rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. President Ronald Reagan signed the law in 1983 with overwhelming approval from both the House and Senate. And ever since, the country spends the day remembering the leader, marching throughout cities, and repeating the words from one of the country’s foremost ambassadors of the non-violent pursuit of equality.

March On Washington For Jobs And Freedom Photo by Robert W. Kelley/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

Today, NBA players will be wearing a special warm-up set for the day-ling set of games.

Here are some past styles the players have sported to commemorate the day.

2017:

Cleveland Cavaliers v Golden State Warriors Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2018:

Celebrities At The Los Angeles Clippers Game Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

2019:

Miami Heat v Boston Celtics Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

2020:

San Antonio Spurs v Phoenix Suns Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Many of the images and quotes are taken directly from King’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech which was given on August 28, 1963 during the historic March on Washington.

You can view the speech in its entirety. If you have not seen it before (or it’s been a while), it is worth a full view. The quotes and highlights are wonderful, but King’s complete call to civic and economic rights is more imperative now than ever.

There are ten NBA games throughout the day.

The San Antonio Spurs play the Portland Trail Blazers at 2:00 p.m. CST.


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