In honor of the civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Day is observed as a federal holiday in the USA. To celebrate the social activist icon, different sports, from professional to collegiate level, hold games to commemorate his legacy. And in the NBA, the tradition dictates 11 games that should be played in total.

It includes games being held in Atlanta and Memphis, each state representing his birth and death by assassination, respectively. It’s an emotional day for everyone, especially the groups that face racial segregation to this day. While many influential figures from all fields battle for them and become their voice, the sad fact is they still exist. One of the prominent voices among them is LeBron James.

And when he was asked about how he felt to be playing on MLK Day, he said, “It’s always special playing on MLK Day. Obviously everything he’s done for our society, his legacy will always live on.”

Contributing to society and his community in any way he can, James and his family have never failed to extend a helping hand or raise their voice against injustices. When you are in a position like King James; the kind where people listen to your voice and try to understand the reasoning, the best thing you can do is utilize it to bring about positive changes.

Another aspect to consider is the relationship between sports and MLK Day. While race and other social disparities may divide people around the world, sports is an emotion that brings everyone together. Be it any sport.

Every country has one that they hold the dearest to their heart. And in the US, it’s football.

The NFL honors MLK Day with his family in attendance

Monday, the 15th saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles’ wild-card playoff game. And Martin Luther King’s family was invited as the honoree captains during the coin toss. His son, Martin Luther King III, daughter-in-law Arndrea Waters King, and granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, were in attendance.

LeBron James, Trae Young and NBA World Bow Down Before the Great Martin Luther King Jr. On MLK Day

As reported by Jori Epstein, senior NFL writer for Yahoo Sports!, King’s son once again reiterated his father’s vision. And that’s none other than the eradication of the three evils: poverty, racism, and violence. He goes on to further elaborate that the state of the world does not often allow for being civil.

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“That’s sort of why football games and championships are so important — because they bring people together from every walk of life,” he added.

As James mentioned above, MLK’s legacy continues to impact people from all around the world. Yet, it’s hard to see a silver lining, given the state of affairs in this world now. Amid all this chaos, a sports stadium or field is the only place you can see different people, with different stories, religions, and colors all come together. Be it to cheer their teams on, to cry, or even call them out for not giving it their best.

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