2024 MLK "I have a dream" Speech Poster Refresh

In 2011, my oldest son, Siah, came into my life. I knew I wanted to fill his life with stories, books, art featuring inspirational black figures. So, being a middle-class white guy, I'll admit I gravitated toward the cliché when I created a poster to hang above his bed: Martin Luther King Jr.

At the time, I knew I wanted to visualize the "I Have a Dream" speech. I had just started using channels in Photoshop to retouch photos and it sort of opened up a whole world to me for using depth and shadows in interesting ways. Anyway, I designed this monochromatic typography-driven poster that featured the speech, but when you stepped away were given the impression of Martin Luther King Jr.'s portrait. Subtle gradients added vibrance and contrast where needed.

At the time I was really proud of it, and it has been a prominent fixture in 5 houses across three states since I made it. I'd read it out loud to my boys from time to time and obviously every MLK Day since 2012.

As I have grown as a creative director, my love of the poster has shifted. While I love the nostalgia and its impact on my family story, I'm increasingly struggling to ignore some glaring flaws and missed opportunities. So I've decided to refresh or reinterpret the poster in a way that feels authentic to me today.

Anyway, I thought it was worth a share. Let me know what you think.