“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was most often photographed and seen clothed in what some would call his Sunday Best.” Dapperly clad in a suit, white shirt, pocket square, and a skinny tie with a clip, he neatly presented himself to the world as a man of business and substance even in a time where black men were not always taken seriously. He waged war against American segregation clothed in his full armor which subtly demanded respect and attention. As a non-violent Civil Rights Activist, the way he dressed co-signed on the fact that he meant business which aided his stance during tremendous times of challenge and controversy during the Jim-Crow era.
The way Dr. King dressed during the 1950’s and 1960’s was also a testament to a time when black men wore suits to present themselves in a respectable manner; a suit was an unspoken message of success. Even if personal success had not been truly achieved, it was the norm for a man to present himself in a suit as common practice. Black men were proud to be able to have access to a look that their fathers and forefathers may not have had the opportunity to achieve.
“When we were coming up, we didn’t have much and we wore jeans and overalls everyday, but as men, we were about purpose, and we dressed accordingly.” -MLK advisor C.T. Vivian
Dr. King’s powerful messages and outlook on life was spearheaded by his passion for an end to racial injustice. He was a young man who’s life ended tragically at the age of 39 on April, 1968 but his influence changed the makeup of America; he rowed against the waves of a country ingrained to believe segregation was right and equality for all men was wrong. He was a man of grace, determination, and style. As we celebrate Dr. King this year in 2014, let’s take a look at some of his most stylish moments:
Style Stamped pays tribute to Dr. King on today and everyday for his sacrifices and his dream that we are still working to achieve. We are hopeful that we as a people will continue to cultivate Dr. King’s dream for ourselves and our children and for all of the next generations to come.
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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