On Wednesday night, less than an hour before tipoff of the Bulls’ game against the Rockets, the Jumbotron at the United Center showed images of the one we like to call “American Jesus” — or a modern-day Moses, as the New York Times referred to him in 1965 in explaining the Civil Rights Movement to its readership — accompanied by the words “Honoring The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” This, five full days before we officially celebrate his birth.
Two thousand miles away, same night, in another NBA arena, the Warriors and the Pelicans did the same. Some players entered the court in “Honor King” shooting shirts over their jerseys. Again, this is five days before the NBA has its own leaguewide version of an MLK celebration, with 11 games slated to be played recognizing the man who created more equality-driven change than any single human being has ever been able to do in this country.
