PORTLAND, Ore. — This year, there are a plethora of opportunities around the Portland metro area to celebrate, reflect and give back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day through acts of service.

Samuel L. Jackon's Super Bowl LIX cameo was a full-circle moment reflecting his lifelong commitment to social commentary and change.

The enthusiastic response to his music has been driven in part by the perception that he’s a political vessel. But what ...