ATLANTA — As the day dedicated to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. approaches, his daughter, Rev. Bernice King, is calling for a deeper engagement with her father’s teachings and ideals throughout the year, rather than just on the holiday itself.
Rev. Bernice King, who serves as the CEO of the King Center in Atlanta, shared her thoughts during a recent event that marked the start of various activities—ranging from summits to community service projects—leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, scheduled for January 20. The King Center was established by Coretta Scott King in 1968 to honor the life and work of her late husband, emphasizing his commitment to nonviolence.
Reflecting on global issues, violence, and her thoughts about the forthcoming presidential inauguration of Donald Trump—falling on the same day as MLK Day—Bernice King also acknowledged the impact of President Jimmy Carter’s legacy.
Speaking on the significance of truly honoring her father’s memory, she remarked, “As we prepare for a new presidential administration—whether new or a repeat in some aspects—this King holiday calls on everyone of goodwill to do more than simply commemorate and celebrate King for one day. I urge us to move beyond merely quoting King, a practice we often indulge in.”
King emphasized that while many share their efforts to honor her father’s dream, those actions sometimes miss the essence of his message. She urged people to evaluate whether their actions are grounded in love, compassion, and respect for all individuals. “I consistently ask, are you acting in the spirit of Dr. King? Are you fostering a compassionate approach that honors the dignity of everyone?”
In her call to action for the holiday, she encouraged individuals to commit to daily practices that foster unity and embrace nonviolence, emphasizing the importance of living harmoniously as brothers and sisters.
This year marks a unique coincidence, as it’s the third time the federal holiday honoring King coincides with a presidential inauguration—Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also began their second terms on this important day. “I’m relieved that this milestone is occurring, as it keeps the focus on Martin Luther King Jr. instead of allowing Trump to dominate the narrative,” she stated. “On this day, he will have to reckon with the profound legacy of Dr. King, regardless of how he approaches it in his speech.”
Emphasizing the teachings of her father and other civil rights figures, she urged people to elevate their messages on the holiday.
For this year’s observance, the King Center has adopted the theme: “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.” According to the King Center, Noviolence365 represents a love-driven mindset that fosters personal and societal transformation.
King acknowledged that many face challenges that may seem overwhelming, including economic instability, dissatisfaction with election outcomes, and persistent violence. “This theme reminds us that even in the face of tremendous obstacles, my parents and their peers managed to effect meaningful change and alter societal norms,” she expressed.
“It indicates that as humans, we hold the potential to nurture and safeguard freedom, justice, and democracy. However, we must approach it with the appropriate spirit, guided by the principles of Kingian nonviolence.”
King also fondly recalled former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away recently at the age of 100. She plans to attend his funeral service and shared her belief that he was the best president during her lifetime, describing him as a humble individual dedicated to humanity.
“Both President Carter and my father exemplified what is possible when leadership is driven by faith and love,” she noted.
In line with their annual tradition, the King Center has organized a week of events leading up to a commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the holiday itself.
Scheduled activities include the Beloved Community Awards, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that contribute to leadership excellence and social justice, a nonviolence workshop, a teach-in session for schoolchildren on the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, as well as a service project aimed at creating care kits for those in need.
