Flyer for a candelight vigil in honor of Martin Luther King
Label
Flyer for a candelight vigil in honor of Martin Luther King
Creator
J15 Global; Occupy Wall Street Archives Working Group
Object Type
Flyers and Handouts
Description
It was not an uncommon site to see a famous musician, actress, or politician at Zuccotti. Several months into the movement, autonomous organizers began to create events such as this candlelight vigil in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King that was held on January 15, 2012. Events such as this were designed to draw attention and attendance, and invited participation from individuals who may not have wanted to involve themselves in more confrontational direct actions. The vigil began with a march that started at St. John the Divine and concluded at Riverside Church where the main program was held. Figures such as Patti Smith, Yoko Ono, and Steve Earle spoke and performed. Within Occupy, some protestors critiqued this tactic, arguing that it perpetuated consumerism and party politics, and opened the door to cooptation of the movement.
Image Description
In the foreground of the flyer is a newsprint-style photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wearing a hat and looking into the distance. This image is printed in red ink. In black text, the flyer announces a candlelight vigil honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, to be held at St. John the Devine on January 15th, 2012. The flyer lists performers and speakers including Patti Smith, Russell Simmons, Steve Earle, Stephan Said, Kozza Olantunji, Dr. Benjamin Cavis, Yoko Ono, Reverend Stephen H. Phelps, Daisey Kahn, Norman Siegel, Sumumba Sobukwe, and Malik Rhasaan.
Citation
Dr. Martin Luther King vigil flyer, 2012; TAM.630 Occupy Wall Street Archives Working Group Records; box 36, folder 16; Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, New York University