Martin Luther King III, along with his wife Arndrea Waters King and their daughter, Yolanda Renee King, paid a special visit to Memphis, Tennessee, on Thursday. The purpose of their visit was to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The King family visited the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the exact place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968. He had come to Memphis to show his support for the striking sanitation workers.
The King family expressed that this visit, which occurred during an election year, serves as a significant moment to remember and honor the memory and impact of Dr. King. They emphasized the importance of preserving history in the face of attacks.
According to Waters King, the triple evils mentioned by Martin Luther King Jr., which consist of racism, bigotry, violence, and poverty, can only be eradicated through the principles of peace, justice, and equity. She urges voters to consider candidates and legislation that promote these values and uplift society as a whole. Waters King emphasizes the importance of voting for individuals and laws that align with our noble character and advocate for peace, justice, equity, and community, rather than chaos.
The King family’s visit sheds light on their concerns about the increasing levels of political violence, as well as the rise in hate across society.
“It’s not just about violence, it’s about fostering inclusivity. It’s about encouraging active participation. It’s about electing individuals into positions of power who will genuinely serve the best interests of our communities,” MLK III emphasized. “Throughout the years, my parents and many other elected officials have taught us the importance of navigating through complex issues. While we may have differing opinions on certain matters, there are far more areas where we should find common ground. However, we must actively create an environment that fosters this unity. It doesn’t happen passively; it requires people to come together. It requires treating one another with dignity and respect.”
According to MLK III, he observes parallels between the current struggle for a democratic climate and the past fight of sanitation workers in 1968, who were striving for dignity in their treatment.
Last summer, the Kings visited the National Civil Rights Museum as a family, creating an opportunity for Yolanda, the only grandchild of MLK Jr. and Coretta Scott King, to connect with her ancestors on a more personal level. It was a significant moment for the family of MLK III, as they gathered at the site where the civil rights icon tragically lost his life, commemorating his legacy together.
To commemorate the 56th anniversary of Dr. King’s passing, the King family made a significant announcement. They revealed that the Drum Major Institute, an organization founded on Dr. King’s values, will be providing grant funding to 16 grassroots programs and initiatives nationwide. These initiatives have been diligently working towards the preservation of democracy.
“It’s a dark day,” MLK III expressed during a press conference on Thursday, acknowledging the challenging times. However, he emphasizes that the ray of hope lies in the current generation and the generations to come, urging us to persevere and work towards a brighter future.
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