mlk day

MLK Day Is Being Celebrated Alongside Robert E. Lee’s Birthday In Alabama

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The state of Alabama released an official statement that they celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day alongside Confederate leader Robert E. Lee’s birthday on January 16th. Moreover, the statement comes as millions honor MLK’s legacy today, which fights against racial injustice. As such, many online reacted with criticism, outrage, and unfortunately, no surprises.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 16: An image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hangs on the back of a sanitation department truck during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in the Liberty City neighborhood on January 16, 2023 in Miami, Florida. The annual event honors the late civil rights leader. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“Alabama. Still racist to the core,” wrote one Twitter user. Furthermore, Robert E. Lee was one of, if not the lead general for the Confederacy during the U.S.’s Civil War. As such, to match the celebration of his birthday with that of an icon in the civil rights movement is insensitive to many.

While many commenters on social media called out the state of Alabama’s racist tendencies, some were defensive. “Went to Alabama for the first time in 2022. To say the entire state is racist is just wrong,” someone tweeted. “Sure, they have a lot of history to deal with, but to paint everyone with that brush is unfair and counter productive.”

However, said history is still in contention to this day. As the South reckons with its Confederate past, everyone from regular citizens to state governments took various statues commemorating the Virginia general down. While many progressive steps helped the conversation around these topics gear towards justice, some jurisdictions are still behind.

Meanwhile, this revelation comes in the midst of other MLK Day-related criticisms. Moreover, Coretta Scott King’s cousin recently criticized Boston’s MLK statue.

“For my family, it’s rather insulting,” Seneca Scott wrote in an essay. “[The] sculpture is an especially egregious example of the woke machine’s callousness and vanity.

“Ten million dollars were wasted to create a masturbatory metal homage to my legendary family members — one of the all-time greatest American families,” he added. “How could anyone fail to see that this … brings very few, if any, tangible benefits to struggling black families?”

What do you think of MLK Day celebrated alongside Robert E. Lee’s birthday in Alabama? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, come back to HNHH for more big news stories about the nation’s history.

Coretta Scott King’s Cousin Blasts Boston’s MLK Statue

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Today (January 16), the U.S. is celebrating the life and activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Millions of people reflect on Dr. King and his leadership during the Civil Rights Movement, and it’s easy to find tributes shared throughout social media. Recently, Boston also added to the celebratory events by unveiling a new 22-foot bronze statue that wasn’t well received by the public.

The Washington Post later reported the statue was created by sculptor Hank Willis Thomas. It was said to honor “the relationship between the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King.” However, the internet was soon flooded with negative reactions, including one from Coretta’s cousin, Seneca Scott.

Boston, MA – January 12: Embrace, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common. (Photo by Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Read More: Samuel L. Jackson Corrects Tina Lawson After She Shares Post Claiming He Met MLK

“For my family, it’s rather insulting,” Scott penned in an essay for Compact. He further said the “sculpture is an especially egregious example of the woke machine’s callousness and vanity.”

“Ten million dollars were wasted to create a masturbatory metal homage to my legendary family members — one of the all-time greatest American families,” Scott also stated. “How could anyone fail to see that this … brings very few, if any, tangible benefits to struggling black families?”

Meanwhile, the statue shows an embrace inspired by an image of Dr. King, who hugged his wife Coretta after learning he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Boston, MA – January 10: Embrace, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common. (Photo by Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Read More: R. Kelly Defense Team Compares Him To MLK, Mike Pence, Hugh Hefner: Report

Moreover, sculptor Thomas explained his vision to The Boston Globe.

“This work is really about the capacity for each of us to be enveloped in love,” Tomas additionally shared. “And I feel enveloped in love every time I hear the names and see the faces of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.”

Check out images of the statue and a few reactions, and let us know what you think of the tribute.

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