Slideshow photos by Kate Wool, 1.13.2023
On Friday, Jan, 13, the unveiling of The Embrace, by Hank Willis Thomas in the Boston Commons was a memorable day. Not only did I get to witness the King family speak about love and strength, but also I was able to be a part of art history with one of my favorite artists, Hank Willis Thomas! I remember exactly one of the many photographs by Hank Willis Thomas that embedded in my brain, a football player on the line of scrimmage in the set position, in the dark with stadium lights on, facing a man in a field of cotton.
The Cotton Bowl, from the series Strange Fruit, 2011 by Hank Willis Thomas
I have followed Hank’s work since the beginning of my photographic interests. His mother, Deborah Willis is a photo historian, who has written many amazing books. Hank’s love of family, and love for humanity, which The Embrace encompasses, shines through more than ever in this amazing sculpture of weight and love and connection and power. As Yolanda King, 14!, said it was love 360, and I couldn’t agree more.
What an honor to be there to witness this unveiling with Hank, the For Freedoms family, the honorees and activists listed on the floor surrounding the sculpture, and the many many Bostonians and globe trotters who will bear witness to this piece of art paying homage and tribute to the MLK family and message of nonviolence and love. May the world spread more messages of love and hope and respect for each other and for mother earth. Make a point to experience https://www.embraceboston.org/memorial and all it has to offer.