Stevie Wonder MLK Day documentary

Stevie Wonder MLK Day documentary

Stevie Wonder has always been more than music—he’s been movement. And now he’s teaming up with TIME Studios to tell the story behind one of his most meaningful acts of activism: the fight to make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a federal holiday.

This new documentary will feature Stevie himself sharing personal reflections on that journey, along with never-before-seen archival footage. It’s a powerful look at how one artist used his platform—and his voice—to help turn the tide of history.

We all know and love Stevie’s “Happy Birthday,” but many may not realize it wasn’t just a song. It was a rallying cry. Released in 1980, it became the anthem of the movement, a call for justice that couldn’t be ignored. Stevie didn’t just sing about change—he demanded it, organizing rallies, pressuring lawmakers, and reminding America that honoring Dr. King was about recognizing our shared responsibility to continue his work.

Directed by Traci A. Curry, this film isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a masterclass in the power of art, activism, and courage. It’s about the impact of one determined voice refusing to be silent.

For us—especially Black women who so often carry the work of community and change on our backs—it’s a reminder that our advocacy matters. Our voices matter. And that pushing for what’s right isn’t always easy, but it is always necessary.

So when this documentary drops, best believe I’ll be watching. And I hope you’ll join me. Because honoring our past is part of building our future—and we owe that to ourselves and to the generations coming next.

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