Bernice King remembers her father and honors FSU workers at Martin Luther King Day celebration
BY RACHEL CHRISTOFEL
The mention of Martin Luther King, Jr. sparks reminders of the struggle for equality, civil rights and peace. But for one woman, this leader's name brings to mind one word: Father.
On Jan. 11, Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., will pay tribute to her father at the FSU MLK Day Celebration, titled "Martin...We Remember," in Ruby Diamond Auditorium at 11 a.m.
Recalling King's support of labor workers, this year's event will honor FSU employees who work early morning and late evening shifts, such as the groundskeepers, custodial staff and maintenance crews. Through music, dance and the spoken word of Ms. King, FSU will pay tribute to these members of the university community and remember King's impact on social justice in America.
"It is a privilege and a great honor to have Ms. King join us for Florida State University's recognition of those workers who create the firm foundation that this university stands on," said Joy Bowen, FSU's director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. "Her oratorical presence combined with the talents of the FSU student groups could prove to be our most prestigious and exciting celebration to date!"
Born the youngest daughter of Coretta Scott King and the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ms. King began speaking at the age of 17, delivering a speech in her mother's stead to the United Nations. Since that time, she has traveled internationally, speaking in such places as Sydney, Australia; Lubeck, Germany; South America and the White House.
King graduated from Spelman College, with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She holds a master's of divinity and a doctorate of law degree from Emory University. In addition, she received an honorary doctorate of divinity from Wesley College.
King is a member of the Georgia State Bar and, with a strong concern for community and family partnership, has served as a law clerk in the Fulton County Juvenile Court system. She mentors fifth-grade girls from an inner-city Atlanta elementary school and has assisted The Dow Company in building a Habitat for Humanity home in Americus, Ga.
Currently, King serves as an ordained preacher at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga. Working with First Kingdom Management, a non-profit organization committed to making a positive impact on youth and adults, she spends her free time organizing conferences for women, families and college students, as well as teaching classes on race relations and leadership at Mississippi College and in inner-city churches.
King's speech and the FSU main stage event will be preceded by a simulated civil rights march, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Woodward Plaza and ending in Ruby Diamond Auditorium at 11 a.m. The student groups participating in the main stage event for MLK Day include Phlava Dance Troupe, the student chapter of the NAACP, the Black Student Union, the Godby High School Gospel Choir, Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Kevin Fenton and the University Singers, the Chordsmen and the FSU Gospel Choir. Kylie Williams, Miss FSU 2004, and Erin Lancaster, Miss FSU 2005, will also perform a duet at the main event. Other events held at FSU celebrating MLK Day include a workshop for high school students and a 5k run/walk on Jan. 14, sponsored by Phi Kappa Phi.
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