King-X Person of the Year: Mahershala Ali
When it comes to breaking cultural barriers and inspiring generations, few individuals have done more to push the standard this year than Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali. His work has fueled conversations that will spark social change and his commitment to being himself — as bright and bold as possible — has forged a path for others to feel free doing the same.
For his work in our culture, Ali has been awarded the first-ever Martin Luther King-Malcolm X Person of The Year honor.
From his riveting performance in which he shined as a D-list comic book villain of a D-list comic book super hero in Luke Cage to his role as Juan, a nurturing hustler critical to the protagonist’s progression, in the highly lauded Moonlight film, Ali has been at the forefront of what’s challenging our cultural expectations and views.
Ali, an Oakland, Calif., native, is the son of a former broadway performer and once played on basketball scholarship at St. Mary’s College of California. He also has a song with hip-hop artist Keith Murray. The demand for Ali is at an all-time high as he has recently starred in House of Cards and the popular Hunger Games franchise.
About the King-X Award
The thing that separates people from animals is culture. As a society, it is important for us to continue to challenge the status quo and push toward a brighter future. The Martin Luther King-Malcolm X Award is an annual honor bestowed upon the men and women on the front lines battling for the things they believe and championing the causes of the people.
The award is inspired by two of the greatest inspirations of the Civil Rights Era, a time that revolutionized and organized minority people in America. Malcolm X taught self-love and self-respect, tools vital for a complete and wholesome person. MLK instructed his followers to collaborate with others, even those that may have once slighted or harmed you. These men were critical to a movement that has shaped the landscape of our country.
Each February, the award recipient will be chosen based upon their contributions to the culture and society.
