Moving art: Martin Luther King’s words echo around Newcastle

Jeremy Deller knows how to stir emotions. Last year, his poignant public art project We’re Here Because We’re Here, evoking the centenary last year of the bloody Battle of the Somme, made grown men and women weep in the streets. Now Deller has realised another significant public art piece, involving the residents of Newcastle upon Tyne. Earlier this week, the citizens recited out loud parts of a speech made by Martin Luther King in November 1967 when he received an honorary degree from Newcastle University, touching on ever-relevant issues such as racism, poverty and war. “Participants stepped out of their usual role for moments to recite before handing out cards acknowledging the speech context to listeners,” says a project statement from Wunderbar, the culture organisation behind the initiative. Yoga teachers, bakers, barbers and food bank took part, bringing King’s spirit to the city. IT project manager Amanda Hepburn delivered her eulogy in the city library. “There was a lady with a pram who hustled away, frightened that I was some loony in the library. But I think when they understand what it's all about, and what it means to Newcastle, they'll understand what a special event this is," she told the BBC.