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 paid a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the very place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968. During his visit to Memphis to show solidarity with the sanitation workers’ strike, Dr. King was shot and killed on the second-floor balcony of the motel.
The King family expressed that this visit, which occurred during an election year, provides a valuable chance to honor and remember Dr. King’s memory and legacy. It is particularly significant during a time when history itself is being targeted.
According to Waters King, the elimination of the triple evils, namely racism, bigotry, violence, and poverty, can only be achieved through peace, justice, and equity. She urges voters to consider supporting individuals and laws that promote inclusivity and uplift everyone. It is crucial to vote for those who align with our values of peace, justice, and equity, and who prioritize community over chaos.
The King family’s visit underscores their concerns about the increasing levels of political violence, general violence, and hate.
MLK III emphasized that the focus should not be on violence but on inclusion and participation. He stressed the importance of electing officials who will prioritize the needs of communities. Drawing on the teachings of his parents and other elected officials, he highlighted the significance of navigating through issues and finding common ground. MLK III acknowledged that disagreements may arise, but emphasized the greater importance of fostering a climate of agreement. He emphasized that such a climate is not achieved effortlessly but requires people to unite, treat one another with dignity and respect.
MLK III observed that he recognizes the parallels between the ongoing struggle for a democratic society and the historic fight of sanitation workers in 1968 to be treated with respect and fairness.
Last summer, the entire King family visited the National Civil Rights Museum as a way to honor their ancestors and create a meaningful experience for Yolanda, the only grandchild of MLK Jr. and Coretta Scott King. This visit holds special significance as it is the first time that the family of Dr. King’s eldest son, MLK III, has gathered at the site where the civil rights icon tragically lost his life.
The King family has announced that in commemoration of the 56th anniversary of Dr. King’s passing, the Drum Major Institute, founded by the King family on the principles of Dr. King, will provide grant funding to 16 grassroots programs and initiatives nationwide. These grants aim to support their efforts in upholding and preserving democracy.
“It’s a somber day,” MLK III expressed during a press conference held on Thursday. However, he emphasized that the source of hope lies within both the current generation and future generations yet to come.
