SAN FRANCISCO – This year, for Martin Luther King Junior Day the Golden State Warriors celebrated the civil rights icon’s message of harmony. The Warriors hosted a special guest who knew Dr. King, and who today said his mission continues. 

The Warriors and the Boston Celtics took the court at Chase Center, wearing shirts bearing his name and his words, “the time is always right to do what is right.”

At center court, Dr. Clarence B Jones – attorney, speechwriter and friend of Dr. King, rang the bell to welcome the crew. Dr. Jones reflected on his time working alongside Dr. King and said seeing the crowd at Chase Center was a powerful way to honor his legacy.

Dr.  Jones referenced a Nigerian proverb, that says if the surviving lions don’t tell their stories, the hunters will get all the credit. “Well, I’m a surviving lion, and with the remaining years of my life, 24/7,  I’m a lion that wants to tell the story of the greatest single person in my 94 years of life,” said Dr. Jones. 

The crowd at Chase Center also reflected on the day and the importance of making sure that young people understand who Dr. King was and what he stood for. “So, I think it’s great they have a program not only to educate but to entertain,” said Sylvia Bernwall. 

At half-time, school children recited Dr. King’s words to the crowd, the impact of the words just as powerful now as then. “This is very important because of everything he fought for and he wasn’t just fighting for himself, he was fighting for everyone,” said  Daniel Bowie from Montera Middle School.

Dr. Jones said seeing people reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy filled him with optimism. “All I can say to you, and those people listening to my voice, and watching, is keep on keeping on,” said Dr. Jones. “Not the worst is yet to come, on the contrary, the best is yet to come.”

The Warriors’ game was just one of eight around the NBA to honor Dr. King. Players and coaches encouraged basketball fans to do something for their own community as a way to honor his legacy.