Dr. Clarence B. Jones, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and former speechwriter for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., experienced a profound emotional response during an MLK Day game between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. Players wore T-shirts emblazoned with one of King's most iconic quotes, "The time is always right to do what is right." The tribute, which took place on a day dedicated to celebrating King's legacy, honored Jones as an "Impact Warrior," acknowledging his significant contributions to the movement.
Born in 1931, Dr. Jones met Dr. King in 1960 when King visited his home in Altadena, California, seeking legal assistance and counsel. From that moment, Jones became not only a lawyer but also a trusted speechwriter for King, playing an instrumental role in crafting the historic "I Have a Dream" speech delivered at the March on Washington in 1963. His relationship with King spanned nearly a decade until King's assassination on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.
Dr. Jones expressed both pride and sorrow during the event as he reflected on King's absence.
"It's a very challenging and somewhat difficult emotional experience for me to be here because as I look out, look at the signage quoting one of Martin's more famous sayings and so forth, I also reflect on the fact that he's not here," said Dr. Clarence B. Jones.
The Golden State Warriors' tribute was particularly poignant as it marked their first MLK Day game without their late patriarch, Al Attles Sr., who was a significant figure in the team's history. A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Attles Sr. was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 and served the franchise in various capacities, including as a player, head coach, general manager, and ambassador. He would have turned 96 on January 15th—an age Dr. King might have reached had he lived.
"Had he lived, he would've been 96 years old on his birthday, the 15th of January. I have been blessed with longevity. I don't quite understand why, but I'm 94. I was two years younger," Dr. Jones remarked.
During the game, star player Stephen Curry praised Dr. Jones's influence and legacy.
"He has walked shoulder to shoulder with Dr. King and all the other leaders of the Civil Rights era," Curry stated. "He is a true poet and true leader when it comes to being able to be the voice for a generation that is trying to make significant change for Black people all across the country."
Curry further reflected on the meaning of MLK Day and the impact of leaders like King and Jones.
"His story speaks to what [Monday] means. If you look to Dr. King and his legacy, Dr. Jones had a lot to do with that. He makes you smile. When you get beat by 40, he puts it in perspective. He's seen how far we've come and how far we have to go as a country," Curry added.
The MLK Day match itself saw the Boston Celtics defeat the Golden State Warriors with a decisive 125-85 win, one of eight NBA games held in honor of Dr. King. Despite the loss, the event was an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since King's era and recognize those who continue to push for equality and justice.
In addition to Curry's comments, Celtics player Jaylen Brown emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who paved the way for current generations.
"There are so many people that have come before us that sacrificed so much to push society forward, push equality forward," Brown said. "To be able to use my platform to play basketball and do what I got to do, it is the least I can do—just being able to praise those people who came before, who sacrificed so much of their lives, livelihood and family."
Dr. Clarence B. Jones's presence at the game served as a powerful reminder of his contributions alongside Dr. King and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
"So, as I sat in the arena and I looked at the signage and I looked at the T-shirts… This is capturing and reflecting on one or more of his more profound statements he made over his lifetime. It's not too difficult to do the right thing," Dr. Jones reflected.
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