“I Have a Dream” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech at the March on Washington is still remembered by the people, as are the great efforts of this Civil Rights Champion. Nearly six decades after the passing of this legendary figure, he is honored on the third Monday of every January. This year, the day fell on January 20, coinciding with another special event. NBA celebrities also took to social media to reflect on the contributions King made.

Taking to Instagram, basketball legend Carmelo Anthony recounted King’s famous quote along with the icon’s picture. “You can kill the dreamer but you can’t kill the dream,” the quote read. King is the only non-president after whom a federal holiday is named. 

And on this memorable day, late legend Bill Russell’s wife also took to social media to reiterate the legend’s thoughts. “Bill would always keep at the core of his mission that we must honor the past by shaping a future rooted in equality and justice for everyone. On #MLK Day, we will not lose sight of that mission,” Mrs. Russell wrote. Dwyane Wade also shared a special video from his fan account to pay tribute to the basketball legend. The clip is captioned, “Honor the dream. Change the world. #MLKDay.” 

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, in 1929,  he went on to become a Baptist pastor. 15 years after his tragic passing, this day is observed as a national holiday. Moreover, this year, MLK day coincides with the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump. Members of the young generation also joined in to celebrate the day. 

Shaquille O’Neal, Gabrielle Union and more shared Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspiring quotes 

Shaquille O’Neal’s youngest son who is playing college basketball also shared a video on his IG where the legend read, “Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth.”

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice,” Miami Heat legend Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union also shared this quote with the legend. Pistons’ legends Isiah Thomas, Baron Davis, J.R. Smith, Jalen Rose, and more shared snaps and snippets featuring the legend’s quotes will honor the basketball legend.

Basketball legend Spencer Haywood shared some of the highlights of life as well as the nostalgic photos of the past and shared a message along with it. “MLK DAY IN MEMPHIS.. ALL PRAISES TO GOD OF THE UNIVERSE” Haywood wrote. During his campaign, King gave hundreds of speeches, and these motivating words continue to inspire people. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.