Thoughts on the MLK Memorial

The new monument is a historic and breathtaking structure that we should all be proud of.

This past Thursday, I made the jaunt to our nation’s capital with a couple of friends for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. What was supposed to be a fun filled long-weekend of celebrations and work (including filming an interview with Georgia Congressman and Civil Rights legend John Lewis) turned into 36 hours of non-stop cancellations. That little bit of rain forecasted to destroy the entire east coast forced people to abandon their plans and head for shelter. The actual unveiling of the Memorial was postponed indefinitely.

Still, I cabbed it to the Washington Mall to witness it first hand. Despite our often-vitriolic political culture, an experience like this highlighted why I am a proud American and feel that, at our core, we’re one people. There aren’t any words to rightfully describe the exhilaration I felt as I walked the grounds of the monument. It was just… overwhelming. And i found it hard to keep my composure at certain moments that i realized, not just the physical magnitude of the structure, but what it means for all of us. This country was founded on the principles of life, liberty, and justice. But that equation excluded so many. And yet, here.. in MY lifetime.. am I able to live in THIS moment. We are a far from perfect nation, but we never stop trying.

I spoke to so many people who traveled to the memorial from all over the world who shared this same excitement, and I was thrilled to capture some of their moments.

I’m back in Harlem right now pitching my Hurricane-proof tent. In the meantime, I invite you to take a look at the slideshow and please feel free to share your thoughts.

Have a safe and peaceful rest-of-the-weekend.