ATLANTA — A recommitment to nonviolence: That’s how Dr. Bernice King said she looks at the 50-year commemoration of the assassination of her father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Channel 2's Wendy Corona visited the King Center in Atlanta, where they announced events for the anniversary
The events include a Peace Prize award ceremony.
Nancy Yee and her friend Victoria Hogan visited the King Center from Boston on the same day events were laid out for the 50-year commemoration of the civil rights leader’s assassination.
“We definitely didn’t realize it’s been even 50 years,” Yee said.
Dr. Bernice King, CEO of the King Center got personal, saying the anniversary is always a chance for her to remember, heal and recalibrate.
“Daddy gave the vision. He outlined the philosophy and methodology but it was the people who embraced it,” King said.
She and all the supporters for the King Center events, which start on April 4, are embracing the current movement led by Parkland, Florida, students who are demanding change in gun laws. For King, it harkens back to her father’s time.
“They did it with love, they did it with dignity, they did it with respect and honor,” King said.
Done back then without firing a shot or throwing a punch.
“The violence has not changed and that’s the sad part about it,” Hogan said.
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A wreath has been laid at Dr. King’s tomb every year on the anniversary of his death, and that tradition will continue.
At 6:01 p.m. central time, bells will ring around the world, marking the minute Dr. King passed. With this year’s MLK 50 Forward, violence will not take the spotlight.
“We want to look toward solutions as these young people are forcing us to have the conversation,” King said.
This year also marks the 50-year celebration of the opening of the King Center in June.
MORE INFORMATION: MLK50 Forward
King Center announces plans to commemorate MLK's death 50 years agoThe King Center announces plans to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s death 50 years later. We'll have more details on Channel 2 Action News at 4. http://2wsb.tv/2CB5Jnj
Posted by WSB-TV on Thursday, February 22, 2018
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