ATLANTA — A powerful performance from a 70-member choir resonated through the Ebenezer Baptist Church on Monday, celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a rendition of “Hallelujah.” The service, hosted at the church where King once preached, was marked by stirring messages, particularly from his youngest daughter, Rev. Bernice King, who spoke out against the divisive anti-woke discourse permeating society today.
The Ebenezer Baptist Church event was a focal point for commemorating King’s legacy on this significant holiday, as people gathered across the nation to honor his contributions. Prominently displayed on stage were large signs reading “JUSTICE,” “FREEDOM,” and “DEMOCRACY,” emphasizing the core values King fought for throughout his life.
Rev. Bernice King emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against anti-woke messaging, 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 articulated that being woke signifies an awareness of oppression paired with a commitment to seeking justice for all.
This year’s holiday was particularly bittersweet for civil rights leaders due to the inauguration of Donald Trump, who returned to the White House, igniting mixed emotions regarding his history of rhetoric and stances on issues of race and civil rights. During the service, Bishop William Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, made indirect references to Trump’s presidency, asserting that winning a large portion of the vote does not grant anyone the authority to bypass justice or harm others.
Trump, during his inaugural speech in Washington, acknowledged the significance of the King holiday, stating, “In his honor, we will strive together to make his dream a reality.” This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day coincided with Trump’s inauguration for the third time since the federal holiday was established nearly 40 years ago; previous presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also took their oaths on this day.
Revered as a champion for civil rights, King expressed concerns that the legal protections he fought for might not lead to further progress against discrimination or foster social programs. His belief remained that achieving change would require white Americans to forge a genuine connection with Black Americans, engaging in economic solidarity and social cohesion.
The gathering at the historic Atlanta church was marked by a strong police presence, with numerous officers stationed in the area, ensuring safety as streets surrounding the church were closed to vehicular traffic.
Lonnie J. Edwards from Stone Mountain has attended the annual celebration for nearly two decades. He finds renewed inspiration in the ongoing legacy of King, remarking on the importance of upholding the transformative vision that King had not only for Atlanta but also for the entire nation.
Among the attendees was Liccy Arias, a 21-year-old recent graduate from Georgia State University, who participated in a day of service organized to honor King’s contributions. “Helping out makes my heart very, very full,” she expressed, emphasizing the spirit of community service integral to the day.
In Columbia, South Carolina, the MLK Day rally at the state capitol marked its 25th anniversary, though the crowd was smaller this year amid uncertainty related to the political transition in Washington. This rally originated in 2000, focused on removing the Confederate flag from the dome. In a notable moment during the event in 2013, many attendees paused to observe as President Obama took the oath of office for his second term.
College student Michael Parker reflected on King’s resilience in the face of profound racism and hate, channeling that spirit as he acknowledged the ongoing struggle for justice. “There’s still work to be done. Progress hasn’t gone steady through the generations. We need to keep working on Dr. King’s dream,” he declared.
King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while supporting a sanitation workers’ strike in Memphis, Tennessee. In his memory, the Lorraine Motel was transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum, which provided free admission and extended hours on the holiday. The museum also hosted performances, food drives, and discussions aimed at exploring King’s impactful leadership and its relevance to contemporary social justice movements.
