More than three hours of songs and prayers filled the Atlanta memorial for Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, a marathon celebration of the civil rights…
More than three hours of songs and prayers filled the Atlanta memorial for Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, a marathon celebration of the civil rights icon’s legacy that was almost derailed by the federal government shutdown.
The Rev. Bernice King, King’s youngest child, called the audience to action at the commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, which was known as King’s «spiritual home.» King said her father’s work should inspire all to «step up to make a difference» and «work hand in hand with others.»
«We can either continue on this course of chaos, or we can travel on the pathway toward true community,» King said. «If we’re going to stabilize and strengthen our nation and world, then we can no longer wait on another Martin Luther King Jr. It’s time for you to be a King.»
It was the 51st memorial for King at the church, where he was a co-pastor with his father from 1960 until his 1968 assassination. The service also marked the 34th Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday and what would have been the civil rights leader’s 90th birthday on Jan. 15.
The memorial featured music, dance and spoken word performances, as well as speakers that included public officials, civil rights organizers and Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders.
