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Kings Reflect on Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In a time of uncertainty and conflict, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took on a leading role during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. In a country born on the pledge of equality, King helped fulfill that promise for all people.

King became the face of the movement and his impact is still being felt today, especially across the NBA.

“He represented struggle,” Veteran forward Matt Barnes said of Dr. King. “I think he represented equality, peace and justice. Someone who wasn’t afraid to speak what he believed in.”

Barnes noted King’s importance as a social justice pioneer. For the 36-year-old forward, King was a man who “was before his time.”

“I think he gave blacks a voice,” Barnes said. “He gave level-headed people a voice. He gave us all hope.”

Anthony Tolliver echoed similar sentiments about King. Growing up black in a predominantly white neighborhood and town, he saw King as a figure of great influence and leadership. King represented his experiences.

“I’m a big fan of representation—representation matters to me,” Tolliver shared. “Having someone that made that big of an impact that looked like me was a big deal for me growing up.”

Today, the effects of King’s work can be seen in all facets of society. His work truly revolutionized the world and that notion isn’t forgotten by men like Tolliver.

“Definitely, he was a big, big change agent,” Tolliver reflected. “Not a lot of people can say they changed the way the world works, and I think he’s one of the few people that can say that.”

At the time of his life, King was not as openly received as he is today. His communications were wiretapped by the FBI and J. Edgar Hoover, the bureau’s director at the time, personally ordered surveillance of the late leader.

The scrutiny that King faced during his lifetime is something not lost on Garrett Temple. Though the history books view Dr. King’s efforts favorably today, the veteran guard was quick to acknowledge the risks the respected activist faced.

“He’s a martyr right now, and we definitely understand how much he’s done for this country,” Temple said. “But at the time he was doing it, there were a lot of people that were against him, and we have to remember that as well.”

King’s impact on the world is not to be understated. Almost 50 years since his passing, the values he fought for remain important to this day, especially for members of the Sacramento Kings.


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