Today, January 21, 2013, is a very significant day in U.S. History for:
1) We as a nation are celebrating the 57th inauguration of the first African American President, Barack Hussein Obama, for a second term;
2) My family and local community are spending the whole day observing and honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a prominent American clergyman, activist, and leader of the Civil Rights Movement.
President Obama’s family watches as he takes the oath of office for a second time. Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Associated Press, January 21, 2013
Even though I am not in Washington, D.C. where the inauguration of President Barack Obama is actively taking place, I am glued to my television, as are members of my family (especially our children), watching this unforgettable day unfold.
Oh how I wish all of my ancestors who experienced firsthand but did not live through — slavery, the dangers of the Reconstruction Era, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement — could see this day! Yet, there were times when I could feel their presence all around me. And whenever I felt their presence I would quickly look at the palms of my hands and Thich Nhat Hanh’s words would come to mind assuring me . . .
. . . into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.”
When I turned to Google to search for more information and news coverage about all of the inaugural festivities planned for the day, I paused to enjoy the Martin Luther King, Jr. Google Doodle in blue, purple and yellow that you see below.
Martin Luther King Google Doodle – January 21, 2013
In place of the first “o” in the word Google, there is a side profile of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and when clicked, takes you to the first 50 out of 467,000,000 results about the the life and legacy of Dr. King and his role in American History – WOW!
Until today, I don’t believe I have ever paid attention to the Google Doodles as much as this one. I understand that this is not the first MLK Doodle to grace the search engine’s homepage.
Past MLK Google Doodles:
2011
MLK Google Doodle, 2011
I don’t know about you, but seeing the 2011 MLK Google Doodle above made me think of that part of Dr. King’s speech that says,
I have a dream that one day down in Alabama with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and little white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today!”
2010
MLK Google Doodle, 2010
The 2010 MLK Google Doodle above is definitely my favorite because it captures the famous 1965 voting rights march Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, did from Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL that drew 8,000 people!
This truly has been a wonderful day of celebrations my family and I won’t soon forget!
How are you celebrating this special day in our nation’s history? Let me know!
Claiming Kin Genealogy 
Liv, I was consumed absorbing it all; and wishing I was at the inauguration. You see, I was there in 2009 and thought ‘been
there, done that’. However, when it all began I was surprised thatI wanted to be there.
The coverage ofthe inauguration, showed so many of the events that this time, I saw more of
the activities of this historic day, than in 2009, and watching the firstfamily and the girls were so delightful.
The Obama’s is a family that all Americans can be proud.
Google
Doodles are awesome.
shelley
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Shelley, thanks so much for chiming in and sharing your thoughts about the inauguration with me! Oh WOW! I am not surprised that you wanted to be there again even though you were blessed and fortunate to be a part of history the first time he took the oath of office in 2009.
Their daughters are growing into such beautiful young ladies right before our eyes! I especially like how they work hard at keeping them out of the limelight too for I know that is not an easy thing to do. You’re right, they are the type of family that makes America look good!The girls have parents who truly love one another and therefore, they see daily how a man should love, respect, and cherish them at all times!
Glad you enjoyed the Google Doodles as much as I did! Again, thanks for sharing with me!
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I too was glued to my TV during the ceremony. Obama’s speech was eloquent (I thought I heard a couple of phrases from Lincoln’s second inaugural speech, even) and very progressive, and it was a joy to hear what I think of as African-American “blues” stylings (and riffs) in both national anthems.
What a delight to see the last 3 MLK day Google Doodles. I especially like the 2011 Doodle, with children playing hopscotch together so naturally. And thank you for Thich Nhat Hanh’s words. “You are the continuation of each of these people.”
Even though there is so much denial and fear and paranoia and hatred yet to be worked through, maybe this nation will finally be able to get past its racism (and sexism and homophobia and classism). A day like this gives me hope. I’m so glad your family and community spent the day observing and honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Watching “The Abolitionists” lately has given me even more respect for his courage.
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Hi Mariann! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings about yesterday’s inauguration event! Progressive is the ideal word to describe Pres. Obama’s speech to America. And considering that Lincoln is his favorite, I’m not surprised that his essence was heard throughout Obama’s speech!
I enjoyed all of the singers who were apart of the ceremony and despite all the brouhaha about Beyonce lip syncing versus singing it live, I still enjoyed her performance of the National Anthem, not to mention she looked beautiful too!
I agree, yesterday gives me hope for the future too. My ancestors believed in this hope and I am a product of their hope – a continuation of everything they believed in!
The MLK Google Doodles are wonderful! I’m so glad I took the time to learn more about them. Now I will be on the lookout for other Doodles commemorating the lives of prominent people and events throughout this year!
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