ATLANTA — The religious community in Atlanta and across the world is mourning the loss of Bishop Dr. Barbara Lewis King.
The trailblazing spiritual leader died Sunday at the age of 90.
King founded the Hillside Chapel and Truth Center and played an important role in the African American church and community for many years.
In 1963 she joined thousands at the March on Washington. Dr. King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech prompted her to commit fully to the cause of Civil Rights and the necessity to promote change in the lives of all Americans.
King is also the founder and president of the Barbara King School of Ministry, which was opened its doors in 1971. The church has thousands of members and supporters worldwide.
A great tree has fallen. Our beloved Founder/Minister and World Spiritual Leader, Bishop Dr. Barbara Lewis King,...
Posted by Hillside International Truth Center on Monday, October 12, 2020
In 2001 Dr. Barbara received the highest honor bestowed upon a woman in Africa. Through elaborate ceremonies, rituals and prayers, she became the first female to be enstooled as a Chief at Assin Nsuta, Ghana, West Africa. Her stool name is Nana Yaa Twunmwaa I. Nana means Chief, Yaa means Thursday’s child, a child with special spiritual power, special energy and special courage. Twumwaa is related to the name of Yaa Asantawaa. Yaa Asantawaa is a spiritual sister of Nana Yaa Twumwaa I and a national hero to the Ashanti people of Ghana.
In 2019, the Interfaith Chapel at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was named the Bishop Dr. Barbara Lewis King Interfaith Chapel.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms released a statement on King’s passing:
“Dr. Barbara Lewis King was a spiritual beacon throughout the world. I join her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of her stewardship in grieving her passing. During a time when our societal virtue is being tested, we will lean on Dr. Barbara’s legacy of peace, humanity and love. As the moral muse of the Dr. Barbara Lewis King Interfaith Chapel in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dr. Barbara will remain an indelible source of inspiration and enlightenment for Atlantans and our visitors for generations to come.”
The Atlanta City Council released the following statement after the passing of Bishop Dr. Barbara Lewis King:
“Bishop Dr. Barbara Lewis King will always be a monumental figure in our city and in the faith community. She was a powerful source of inspiration and the epitome of love and compassion. She had a deep and lasting impact on civil rights and immense outreach as an educator, author, and businesswoman. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word and held immeasurable influence through her ministry and service. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and we join the community in celebrating her life and legacy in Atlanta and throughout the world.”
Information from the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame was used in this report
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