Bernice A. King

Dr. Bernice A. King is a global thought leader, strategist, and advocate for peace, serving as CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center), which was founded by her mother as a memorial to her father’s legacy. In this role, Dr. King continues to advance her parents' commitment to nonviolent social change through policy, advocacy, research, and education. She has rebranded the Kingian philosophy of nonviolence as Nonviolence365™? (NV365), aiming to integrate these principles across various sectors of society.

At The King Center, Dr. King leads initiatives that educate youth and adults globally on nonviolent principles and strategies, inspired by her parents. Under her leadership, the Centre has reached over 500,000 people through programmes such as the Beloved Community Leadership Academy, Students with King, NV365 Education & Training, and The Beloved Community Talks, which focuses on addressing challenging racial and social justice issues. Dr. King also developed an NV365 certification programme, training individuals to teach the NV365 curriculum.

Dr. King earned her Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Emory University, following a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spelman College. She has held various leadership roles, including serving as a law clerk for Judge Glenda Hatchett and as an Assistant Pastor at Greater Rising Star Baptist Church in Atlanta. In 2007, she founded the Be A King Scholarship at Spelman College in honour of her mother. Dr. King also played a key role in the 2013 “Let Freedom Ring” event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Additionally, she met Pope Francis in a private audience in 2018 and has influenced key racial equity and social justice initiatives, including the passage of Georgia’s Hate Crime legislation.

Dr. King’s work has earned her numerous recognitions, including two Phoenix Awards—one from The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in 2020 and another from the City of Atlanta in 2023. In 2021, she received the Atlanta Business Chronicle Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She also holds several honorary doctorates, including those from Wesley College, Clinton College, Spelman College, and Grinnell College. Dr. King is also an accomplished author, with works such as Hard Questions, Heart Answers and a children’s book, It Starts with Me, which supports The King Center’s Be Love movement.

She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, a registered mediator, and an active participant in organisations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Rotary Club of Atlanta, the International Women’s Forum, and the National Council of Negro Women. Dr. King also serves on the boards of The King Center and The National Black Bank Foundation and holds leadership roles with Ready Life and Redemption Holdings, focusing on minority-focused financial solutions.

Dr. King remains dedicated to preserving her parents’ legacy and inspiring new generations to embrace nonviolent social change through education, leadership, and the continued development of the Beloved Community.

Dr. Bernice Albertine King was born on March 28, 1963, in Atlanta, Georgia, into a family deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement. As the youngest child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Bernice's early years were shaped by the profound influence of her father's work and her mother's steadfast commitment to civil rights. The day after her birth, her father had to leave for Birmingham, Alabama, highlighting the demands of his work. Despite these challenges, he returned promptly to take his wife and newborn daughter home.

The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on her family was significant. Recognising the toll it took on Coretta, family friend Harry Belafonte offered to pay for a nurse to assist with the children, a gesture the Kings accepted. Bernice's father tragically passed away a week after her fifth birthday, leaving her with only a few strong memories of him, one of which was his presence at home and the other of him lying in the casket at his funeral. Despite the limited time she had with him, his influence on her life was profound.

As she grew older, Bernice struggled with the loss of her father, particularly during her teenage years. She was only five when he was assassinated, and as she matured, she grappled with feelings of anger and abandonment, which eventually led her to seek solace and purpose in her faith.

Bernice's journey to the ministry was deeply personal and influenced by the tragedies she experienced in her youth. The deaths of her grandmother and uncle, as well as the profound impact of her father's assassination, stirred in her a desire to find meaning and purpose. At the age of 16, she watched the documentary "Montgomery to Memphis," chronicling her father's life and work. This viewing triggered an emotional response that ultimately led her to embrace her faith and consider a future in ministry.

Bernice's aspirations were not limited to the pulpit; at one point, she even considered a career in politics, aspiring to become the first female President of the United States. However, her calling to ministry became clearer over time. By the age of 24, she had fully embraced this path, earning a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Emory University in 1990.

Bernice King's adult life has been marked by her dedication to continuing the legacy of her parents. At the age of 19, she delivered her first major speech in Chicago, where she echoed the themes of her father's work, acknowledging the progress that had been made while emphasising the need for continued efforts toward equality and justice. Her speeches often reminded audiences of her father's legacy, and she became known for her powerful oratory skills, which were reminiscent of his.

Bernice's involvement in social activism led to her arrest on multiple occasions. In 1985, she was arrested alongside her mother and brother during an anti-apartheid demonstration in front of the South African Embassy. The following year, she and her siblings were arrested again during a protest at a supermarket, marking the first time the three had been arrested together.

Despite the challenges she faced, Bernice remained committed to her faith and the principles of nonviolence. In 1990, she was ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the same church where her father had served as a minister. This marked a significant milestone in her life, as she became the second woman to be ordained at the church.

Dr. Bernice King has dedicated much of her life to ministry, following in the footsteps of her father. Her ordination at Ebenezer Baptist Church was a deeply humbling experience for her, and she has consistently emphasised her commitment to serving others. In her ministry, she has focused on addressing issues of racism, poverty, and violence, echoing the themes that were central to her father's work.

In addition to her work at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Bernice has been involved in various other ministries and organisations. She served as an elder at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, where she regarded Bishop Eddie Long as a mentor. However, she eventually left the church in 2011, citing a desire to continue her parents' legacy as the primary reason for her departure.

In 2012, Dr. Bernice King was appointed as the CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, an institution founded by her mother to preserve and advance the legacy of her father. Under her leadership, the King Center has continued to be a beacon of hope and a platform for promoting nonviolence and social justice.

Bernice has worked tirelessly to ensure that the King Center remains relevant and impactful in addressing contemporary social issues. Her efforts have included engaging with international leaders and dignitaries, such as Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou, First Lady of Niger, who visited the King Center in 2012. Bernice has also been involved in commemorating significant milestones, such as the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Dr. Bernice King is a sought-after public speaker, known for her powerful and eloquent speeches. Throughout her career, she has addressed a wide range of audiences, from students and community groups to national and international conferences. Her speeches often draw on the legacy of her father, while also addressing contemporary issues such as racism, poverty, and violence.

Bernice has been a keynote speaker at numerous events, including the Seminole County Prayer Breakfast, the 20th annual 100 Black Men of America conference, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida fundraiser. Her speeches have resonated with audiences across the globe, inspiring them to continue the struggle for equality and justice.

In 2004, Dr. Bernice King participated in a march against same-sex marriage in Atlanta, a stance that contrasted with the views of her mother, Coretta Scott King, who was a longtime supporter of LGBT rights.

Bernice's participation in the march, alongside Bishop Eddie Long, sparked controversy and criticism from gay rights organisations and others who viewed her actions as a betrayal of her father's legacy of equality for all.

Despite the backlash, Bernice has maintained her beliefs regarding the institution of marriage, viewing it as a union ordained by God. Her stance on this issue has been a point of contention, particularly given her family's history of advocacy for civil rights.

In 2009, Dr. Bernice King was elected president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organisation once led by her father. Her election marked a significant moment in the organisation's history, as she became the first woman to hold the position. However, her tenure was marred by discord within the organisation, leading her to decline the presidency in 2011.

Despite the challenges she faced within the SCLC, Bernice has remained committed to the principles of nonviolence and social justice. She has continued to support the organisation in other capacities and has remained a vocal advocate for civil rights.

Dr. Bernice King has been recognised for her contributions to social justice and her work in continuing the legacy of her parents. In 2007, she was honoured by the Georgia Alliance of African American Attorneys with the "Commitment to Community" award. Two years later, she received an award for her "lifetime of service to women and other causes" from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Convention.

In 2013, Bernice was awarded the Legend Award during the "Celebrating the Dream" event, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of her father's "I Have a Dream" speech. Her contributions have also been recognized by Ebony magazine, which named her one of their Ten of Tomorrow future leaders of the black community.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bernice King has been vocal in her opposition to same-sex marriage. In 2005, she led a march to her father's gravesite, calling for a constitutional ban on gay marriage. Her stance on this issue has been controversial, particularly given her mother's strong support for LGBT rights.

Despite the criticism she has faced, Bernice has remained steadfast in her beliefs, viewing marriage as a sacred institution ordained by God. She has publicly stated that she believes her father would have shared her views, although this position is in contrast to the advocacy of her mother and sister Yolanda.

Dr. Bernice A. King envisions a world where her father’s legacy of nonviolence and social justice is carried forward through her leadership at The King Center and her broader advocacy efforts. With a deep commitment to addressing the pressing issues of racism, poverty, and violence, she seeks to empower individuals and communities by promoting education, dialogue, and active engagement in the struggle for equality. Her vision is rooted in the belief that through nonviolent principles and a strong moral compass, society can achieve lasting change, creating a more just and compassionate world for future generations.