Last weekend, Expressions Realia was invited by Tommy Hilfiger, to humbly partake in the dedication of a new memorial to Martin Luther King Jr., in Washington D.C. The memorial means honoring everything Dr. King stood for. His push for equality, inspiration for a racially unstable generation, as well as his ability to call others to action with his words. Not to mention the addition of his unique sense of style. It was truly an honor to have been invited after sharing with them our short creative video about the focus and “dream” for this site. For those who have not yet seen the video, you can view it here.

Brief History

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a revolutionary for social justice and equality for all races, helped organized non-violent civil rights movements in the United States. King held events such as bus boycotts in Montgomery to defend the right to vote, as well as desegregation and employment rights. He is widely-remembered for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, spoken on August 28^th, 1963 before the Lincoln Memorial in Washington during the march for jobs and freedom. Dr. King had the support of political figures such as John F. Kennedy, passing the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act under the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. Martin Luther King became the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent actions for equality.






The Experience

Tens of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall, to be a part of the dedication of this new memorial. The sense of oneness was clear and present amongst the various nationalities. All were there to bask in the memory and lessons of a man who shaped a nation for the better. We had the pleasure to be seated as guests up front, but I believe the presence was the same throughout the ceremony.

Some of the many guest speakers included Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Mayor of D.C. Vincent Gray, former CBS News-anchor Dan Rathers, co-chair of the memorial Tommy Hilfiger, and even President Barack Obama.






Details

For this event, I was able to take advantage of a few of my most recent purchases. The velvet 2-button blazer is new to my wardrobe altogether. Being a thrifted item I was able to have alterations done afterward, which is always much more easy on the wallet. I was only fortunate to have found one in such great condition and the brass buttons are appealing. Keeping it respectfully simple, preferring the details of chambray tie and dobby cloth, cherry blossom patterned pocket square. While in DC, it seemed proper to give homage to the beautiful blossoms that bloom here mid-year.
Noteworthy
• Velvet Blazer – Vintage, Thrift
• Cherry Blossom Pocket Square – The Hill-side
• Pinstripe Button-down Shirt – Ralph Lauren
• Chambray Tie – J. Crew
• Slim Dress Pant – Banana Republic
• Tassled Loafer – Vintage

Words & Sounds

Photos of the poised Bernice King and Tommy Hilfiger give a sense of the powerful words spoken that day. More than inspiring to hear the amount of effort and dedication towards the preparation of the event as well as memorial. Other speakers inspired the likes of a passion to strive for ones’ goals, as well as live out the dream Dr. King so feverently sought to achieve. But more importantly their words spoke to all people of all nationalities. President Obama said it well:

“And just as we draw strength from Dr. King’s struggles, so must we draw inspiration from his constant insistence on the oneness of man; the belief in his words that “we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”“

Along with the resounding speeches throughout the ceremony, we found ourselves being serenaded to the live tunes of the greats such as Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. A celebration indeed with several other performances from talented artists, it was the experience of a lifetime.

As the ceremony drew to a close, it was evident of it’s use for personal reflection. Once again thankful to be a part of history in this way, but also looking towards perpetuating the dream by creating a positive legacy for generations to come.