Alveda King reflects on uncle’s teachings of hope, unity

Dr. Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King Jr., shared her reflections on what would have been her uncle’s 96th birthday: “He would say, we must learn to live together as brothers and I’ll add, as sisters and not perish together as fools.” She is shown here in Baltimore City during a Juneteenth celebration. Xavier Plater/staff

As the nation celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thousands volunteered with various organizations to honor the civil rights leader’s mission of racial equality.

Dr. Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King Jr., shared her reflections on what would have been her uncle’s 96th birthday.

“With this being the inauguration of the President of the United States, as well as Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday celebration, it’s a double time to look up and have hope,” King said.

She often draws inspiration from her uncle’s powerful words. One of her favorite quotes from King Jr.’s “Peace on Earth” sermon on Dec. 24, 1967, resonates deeply with her: “When we truly believe in the sacredness of human personality, we won’t exploit people. We won’t trample over people with the iron feet of oppression. We won’t kill anybody.”

Reflecting on her uncle’s legacy, King said, “I love that. And so when you hear me say, life from the womb to the tomb and beyond, it needs to be an excellent quality of life for every human being that God creates.”

King Jr.’s efforts led to the passing of significant legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that ended segregation in public places and banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for civil rights and is remembered for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” King famously declared.

King acknowledged the progress made since her uncle’s time, but emphasized more work remains.

“I’ve been discriminated against many times in my lifetime, and it still goes on, but there again, I don’t lose hope. I always take heart. I have faith, hope, love, repentance, and forgiveness. I don’t give up,” she said. “And so discrimination still exists. Racism exists because people think we’re separate races. We’re one race, the human race.

“There needs to be a level playing field for everybody, regardless of skin color.”

Reflecting on her uncle’s teachings, she added, “He would say, we must learn to live together as brothers and I’ll add, as sisters and not perish together as fools.”

King honored her uncle on Monday by feeding people in need and continuing his legacy of service and equality.

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