Teaching Tradition

Martin Luther King III, his wife Arndrea Waters King, and their daughter Yolanda have established traditions for this time of year that focus on the civil rights movement.

Every August, the family gathers to watch Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspiring speech during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. They believe it is important to educate their daughter about this significant moment in history and connect it with present-day movements and activists.

60th Anniversary Commemoration

This year, the Kings will join tens of thousands of people at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. The event, organized by the Kings’ Drum Major Institute and the National Action Network, aims to recapture the energy and significance of the original march.

A Rededication

Martin Luther King III emphasizes that this is not a traditional commemoration but a rededication to the ongoing fight for justice and equality. The event will feature pre-program speeches, performances, and a march procession to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

Notable Speakers and Meetings

Ambassador Andrew Young, a close adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. and key organizer of the original march, will be one of the featured speakers. Leaders from the NAACP and the National Urban League are also expected to give remarks. Additionally, organizers of the march met with Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke to discuss important issues such as voting rights, policing, and redlining.

Continuing the Legacy

The march on Saturday serves as a fulfillment of a promise made by Rev. Al Sharpton to Coretta Scott King, the late matriarch of the King family. Rev. Sharpton plans to lead a voting rights tour in the fall and meet with Black entrepreneurs to create a fund to support diversity and inclusion initiatives.

A Never-Ending Struggle

Bernice King, CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change, reminds everyone that the struggle for civil rights is ongoing. She urges vigilance and emphasizes the importance of small victories along the way. Despite the challenges faced, she believes that change will come.

A Legacy of Progress

Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at the March on Washington continues to resonate through the years. While there have been dark moments, such as the bombings in Birmingham and the violence during the voting rights marches in Alabama, progress has been made. Bernice King encourages gratitude for the advancements achieved and the benefits they bring.