ATLANTA — A powerful 70-member choir filled the air with melodies as they joyfully sang “Hallelujah” during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on Monday. The opening music was followed by a resonant message from King’s youngest daughter, who urged attendees to be vigilant against the divisive anti-woke rhetoric seen in society today.
This service at the historic church was one of the biggest tributes to King across the nation, coinciding with other events held in his memory. The atmosphere was marked by seven individuals holding prominent signs that read “JUSTICE,” “FREEDOM,” and “DEMOCRACY” at the front of the stage, underscoring the need for activism and awareness.
Rev. Bernice King addressed the congregation, stating, “We are living in a time when anti-woke rhetoric has become a weapon to divide us and distract us from the real issues of injustice.” She emphasized that being “woke” means recognizing oppression and showing a commitment to justice. Her impassioned speech led the audience to their feet as she challenged those threatening civil rights, declaring, “We will not go back!”
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday this year coincided with the inauguration of Donald Trump, creating a complex atmosphere for civil rights advocates who have criticized Trump’s views on race and rights. During the service, the keynote speaker, Bishop William Barber II, referenced Trump’s mandate and asserted that no one has the authority to endorse injustice, no matter their electoral success. “You never win a mandate to violate justice,” Barber declared, urging attendees to confront issues like poverty and hunger without hesitation.
As part of the inauguration proceedings, Trump also reflected on the legacy of King, vowing to work collaboratively to fulfill King’s dream of justice and equality for all. The Ebenezer Baptist Church holds historic significance, having been the place where King was baptized as a child and later co-pastored with his father before his assassination. It is now a key location within the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and Preservation District.
This year marked the third time since the establishment of the federal King holiday that it has aligned with a presidential inauguration. Previous instances included Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, who both took office during this significant occasion.
King expressed concerns that the legal protection of civil rights, for which he fought tirelessly, could be undermined by the absence of broader social initiatives aimed at combating discrimination. He believed that real change would require white Americans to foster a deeper relationship with Black communities and to work collaboratively for social equity.
Heightened security was evident outside Ebenezer Baptist Church, with numerous officers from the surrounding areas maintaining vigilance as streets near the church were shut off from traffic.
In Columbia, South Carolina, a rally marking MLK Day celebrated its 25th anniversary, albeit with a smaller turnout influenced by the political climate in Washington. This rally began in 2000 when citizens called for the removal of the Confederate flag from the Statehouse. In previous years, participants have come together to witness significant moments in history, including Obama’s second inauguration.
College student Michael Parker reflected on King’s legacy, recognizing the ongoing struggle against racism and advocating for continued effort to realize King’s vision. “There’s still work to be done. Progress hasn’t gone steadily through the generations. We need to keep working on Dr. King’s dream,” he said enthusiastically.
King’s life ended tragically when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, while supporting a sanitation workers’ strike. In honor of his legacy, the National Civil Rights Museum at the former Lorraine Motel offered free admission and a range of activities, including musical performances and blood donation drives, to highlight King’s everlasting influence and his connection to modern social justice movements.
In New Orleans, however, the planned MLK Day event was canceled due to an unexpected winter storm and cold temperatures. Residents faced freezing conditions as the area braced for significant snowfall and icy weather warnings later in the week.
