The Most Disrespectful Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Flyers

2014 edition.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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It took some time, but in 1983, legislation was signed to recognize the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a federal holiday. Despite this progress, it wasn't until 2000 that the last of the 50 states finally joined the modern world and recognized the day as a paid holiday. Way to go, South Carolina. In 1994, Congress made Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a national day of service. You'd think that everyone would respect that, but you can't give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

Because of the long weekend, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day presents promoters with an opportunity to cash in. But every year, without fail, a plethora of party flyers are created that sully the holiday and Dr. King's legacy. While every flyer bearing Dr. King's likeness isn't disrespectful, it's painfully obvious when the line has been crossed. 

Just this year, a party branded as "Freedom 2 Twerk" was planned in Flint, Mich. When the owner of the venue where it was supposed to be held saw the flyer, he shut the party down in disgust. The promoter, on the other hand, saw nothing wrong with the flyer. The intent may not be to disrespect Dr. King, but the inability to grasp why flyers like this are disrespectful is troubling. 

What's even more troubling is that highlighting this year's most disrespectful Martin Luther King, Jr. Day party flyers won't stop anyone from creating more next year.

Written by Julian Kimble (@JRK316)

RELATED: For Shame: The Last 5 States to Recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Freedom 2 Twerk

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Assassination?

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Another Jumpoff

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Weekend Jumpoff

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Free at Last

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Living the Dream

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King Fest

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Dream Weekend?

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