Universally regarded as the leader of the civil rights movement in America, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired blacks and whites, particularly young people, to take enormous personal risks in the 1950s and 1960s to end racial segregation in the United States. King, his fellow leaders, and those they organized were harassed, threatened, jailed—and some were even killed. But they all adhered to the ideal of pursuing social and political change without violence by staging marches, sit-ins, and boycotts. King was a forceful advocate for major civil rights laws in the United States and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated in 1968 while in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers.The Artist’s thoughts on painting this series- “The seven amazing individuals I will be “working with” have opened my eyes to so much and made me appreciate their courage. Because I have read many of their speeches, seen countless photographs, and watched significant video coverage of their work, I feel as though they are still alive. As I roll steadfastly into 2014 charged with the task of bringing these heroes to life with paint on canvas, it is my sincere hope that I willfully and beautifully capture their light and their spirit. My hopes and wishes for everyone else in my world and beyond, as they march into 2014, is that they can all find the spark and the courage to embark on their own missions − to accomplish, to achieve, to overcome, to effect change. Even if it is small and personal – such as “giving back” to those in need, or finding peace within, or being a better friend, neighbor, or co-worker – as Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” About the Artist - Painting since age six, Rossin’s has established an astonishing production capacity that enables him to keep his prices fair and reasonable. In addition to family portraiture, his clientele includes a wide range of world leaders in politics, business, science, history, and the arts. His work can be found in various government institutions, museums, and private collections around the world. His four paintings in The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s Permanent Collection in Washington DC are a testament to his extraordinary talent.