Memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., Central Park, New York 1968

Curator: Benedict Fernandez captured this image, titled "Memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., Central Park, New York." Editor: The somber gazes of these three young men are striking, as is the scale of the memorial pins that blanket their jackets. Curator: Yes, you can clearly see the materiality and how these buttons became readily available objects for people to wear and carry to voice their opinion and feelings. It makes you wonder, were they mass-produced, or handcrafted? Editor: It speaks volumes about collective grief and the need for visible symbols in times of political turmoil and social reckoning. The image becomes a testament to how identity, race, and politics intersect. Curator: Absolutely, and to what extent the image itself becomes a material witness of that time and place. Editor: A somber moment, thoughtfully captured, reflecting the political landscape. Curator: A potent reminder of the power of accessible materials and collective action.