After participating in the formal dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial alongside legendary civil rights leaders, entertainers and policy makers, professor and social activist Cornel West decided to honor King's legacy in his own way: joining the Occupy D.C. protests Sunday where he was arrested on the steps of the Supreme Court.
During the protests, West addressed fellow demonstrators over a megaphone and ensured them that King would approve of the demonstrations were he alive today.
“We want to send a lesson to ourselves, to our loved ones, our families, our communities, our nation, and the world that out of deep love for working and poor people that we are willing to put whatever it takes — even if we get arrested today — and say ‘We will not allow this day of Martin Luther King Jr.’s memorial today to go without somebody going to jail.’ Because Martin King would be here right with us, with us to throw down out of deep love,” West said.
West also echoed the crowd's sentiments that Supreme Court is complicit with the corporate greed that the protesters are against.
“We want to bear witness today that we know the relation between corporate greed and what goes on too often in the Supreme Court decisions,” West said.
West was holding a sign that read, "Poverty Is the Greatest Violence of All," and was arrested because holding political signs on the court steps is illegal. West was one of 19 protesters who were arrested.  
A message from West’s official Twitter account last night assured concerned fans and fellow protesters that West was faring well following the arrest.
“Thanks ALL for your concern. Dr. West is OK. He’ll share his thoughts from today very soon. Stay tuned! #OccupyDC – Bro,” the Tweet said.

(Photo: AP Photo)