Hawaiian Lei of Solidarity: Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibit at Hawaii State Capitol
A new exhibit featuring photographs of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. adorned with flower lei from Hawaii residents who joined him on a Civil Rights march in Selma, Alabama, is now on display at the state Capitol in Honolulu. The Selma-to-Montgomery marches in 1965 led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, eliminating barriers to voting for Black Americans in the Deep South. The exhibit showcases previously unseen photos of King wearing lei, symbolizing Hawaiian culture, taken by Civil Rights photographer Matt Herron. The display will be open to the public until July 7.
In 1965, a delegation from Hawaii brought 48 flower lei to Alabama to support the Civil Rights movement. One of the lei-bearers, Charles Campbell, emphasized the significance of the events in Selma, stating that it could have a profound impact on the nation. The photos captured King wearing lei after the violent events of Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The images, donated by Herron's widow to Hawaii's Department of Accounting and General Services, shed light on the participation of individuals from Hawaii in this historic moment.
Steven Springel, the son of one of the lei-bearers, reflected on the importance of his mother's trip to Selma and the impact it had on him as an adult. The exhibit serves as a reminder of Hawaii's involvement in the Civil Rights movement and its commitment to equality and justice. Members of the delegation also wore lei during the 50-mile march, crafted by mothers of KawaiahaŹ»o Church in Honolulu using plumeria flowers. Lei-giving remains a cherished tradition in Hawaii, symbolizing the spirit of "aloha" and shared connections among people.
The exhibit highlights the role of individuals from Hawaii in supporting the Civil Rights movement and standing in solidarity with fellow Americans for equality and justice. The display of these historic photographs serves as a tribute to those who participated in the Selma-to-Montgomery marches and contributed to the ongoing fight for civil rights. Through the lens of these images, visitors can witness the unity and determination of individuals from Hawaii who joined the movement for a more just and equitable society.