OKC Thunder hosting the Sacramento Kings on MLK Day
By Joshua Lea
The NBA and the OKC Thunder are celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oklahoma City hosts the Sacramento Kings in what will be a memorable day.
The Oklahoma City Thunder dawned the “I Have A Dream” warmups during the game against Charlotte on Saturday. Tonight, they’ll host the Sacramento Kings on a vital day in American history. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was among many things, but most importantly a civil rights leader. His words and life have and will continue to have an everlasting effect on our society.
The NBA and the OKC Thunder represent the famous “I Have A Dream” speech – the Thunder have players from all walks of life. A team of players from different ethnic backgrounds, who are working together to win a Championship.
That’s the dream that Dr. King envisioned. The dream of people from all walks of life coming together, whether it’s friendship, work or relationship based.
Let me say: this is not a political post. I am not using the NBA, OKC Thunder or Dr. King to say anything negative about the current state of the United States. Everyone has their own opinion of what is going on politically. I do firmly believe, however, that everyone should read or watch Dr. King’s words and meditate on the importance of peace.
When you see Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams laughing and joking on the bench, it’s a beautiful thing. Westbrook is a native of Long Beach, California; Adams is a native of Rotorua, New Zealand. These guys are two completely different people, yet they co-exist peacefully on the same team.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr wanted to see the United States united. He wanted to see the social injustice among people of color dissolved. Speaking of peace and equality, marching with many, to protest and shine a light on a dark subject in the country.
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For the NBA to celebrate and acknowledge such a man is noble. I would hope everyone takes a moment of silence for Dr. King and the powerful nature of his words and movement.
Not all people share the beliefs and words of Dr. King. However, more and more people are beginning to denounce hate and embrace peace. I challenge all those who read this to practice peace and love for your fellow man and woman.
It does not matter if they are Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern or Russian. Everyone is a human being and deserves to be treated as such.
I hope Dr. King’s words and this holiday will re-inspire a new generation of great thinkers, people who hold Dr. King’s words in high regards.