Written by | Ray Cornelius
“Selma” actor and activist, David Oyelowo was one of many special guests invited to speak during Monday’s 47th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service in Atlanta, GA. The British-born actor made a rare appearance, just hours after marching with his co-stars Oprah Winfrey and Common and director, Ava DuVernay across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL on Sunday evening.
Actor and activist, David Oyelowo talking about playing MLK in the movie Selma
A tearful and emotional Oyelowo shared his very personal experience playing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and confessed that God had already revealed to him in prayer seven years ago that he would play the civil rights leader in a movie. He also described what it was like “stepping into the shoes of King” and why this was more than an acting gig but a transformative experience. His Nigerian father was also present and flew all the way from the UK to be a part of today’s ceremony.
John Lewis greeting the honorable Mathilde Mukantabana
Joining Oyelowo was the real Selma marcher and organizer, the Honorable Congressman John Lewis, whose speech was a letter to Dr. King, detailing the progress of African-Americans. Lewis referred to his former mentor as his “hero” and stated that Dr. King had “redeemed more than a people but a nation.”
Elder Bernice King giving remarks at the beginning of the program
King’s youngest daughter, Elder Dr. Bernice King, gave a rousing speech during the opening remarks, touching on the recent deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Gardner. However, it was Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd’s keynote address that brought the packed Horizon Sanctuary to its feet with a call-to-action message of hope and encouragement. The former Delta Sigma Theta Sorority President, urged members of the audience not to remain silent about the social ills that plaque our communities and described the U.S. as a nation “surrounded by yellow crime scene tape.” The very bold statement left many in the audience, speechless!
Students reciting the address from King’s speech at ‘The Conclusion of the Selma March’
The televised ceremony also included remarks from Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed as well as religious leaders of all faiths including the Muslim and Jewish communities. Students from various Atlanta metro schools recited Dr. King’s historic speech from “The Conclusion of the Selma March” and Grammy winning-singer, Sandi Patty delivered a hair-raising performance of the gospel classic “How Great Thou Art.” The program closed with the Bell Ringing Ceremony as part of King’s Legacy of Courage and the singing of the movement anthem, “We Shall Overcome.”
Take a look at more photos below:
Aerial view of the stage
New Hope Pathfinders Club Flag Bearers presented the Flags of the Nations
Elder Dr. Bernice King
Dr. Christine King Farris presided over the entire ceremony
Greetings from the Honorable John Lewis, 5th Congressional District, Georgia
Mayor of Atlanta Kasim Reed
Students reciting Dr. King’s address at the ‘Conclusion of the Selma March’
Ebenezer Baptist Church – Horizon Sanctuary was filled to capacity
Amazing Grace Dance Company performing to Micah Stampley’s “Another Place”
Grammy winning-vocalist Sandi Patty performing ‘How Great Thou Art”
Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd’s speech was timely and on point
Student speakers posing for a picture
Elder Dr. Bernice King with ‘Selma’ actor David Oyelowo and Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd
David Oyelowo taking pictures with fans after the ceremony
Iconic statue in front of Ebenezer Baptist Church – Horizon Sanctuary
Mahatma Gandhi was honored today as well
Final resting places of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King
A #Selfie with ‘Selma’ actor David Oyelowo
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com