Kings Daughter Calls For Non-violence

citizen |

The Rev. Michael Pfleger looks on as Elder Bernice A. King delivers a sermon at Faith Community of St. Sabina on Jan.8. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
The Rev. Michael Pfleger looks on as Elder Bernice A. King delivers a sermon at Faith Community of St. Sabina on Jan.8. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)

The reverent words of Elder Bernice A. King filled the sanctuary of Faith Community of St. Sabina Sunday morning sending parishioners and guests to their feet.

At the request of St. Sabinas leader, The Rev. Michael L. Pfleger, Elder King, the youngest child of slain Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered a stirring speech on non-violence.

King reflected on ways her father practiced non-violence throughout the Civil Rights Movement. She discussed when the familys home was bombed in Montgomery, Ala. saying people wanted revenge but Dr. King told them to take their weapons home. The battle was fought with non-violent resistance instead, King said.

St. Sabina is where Bernice began speaking publically at the age of 17.

This place is near and dear to my heart, she said to parishioners.

A confident orator like her father, King declared violence is not the answer to the worlds problems. She said people should exchange their piece (common term for guns) for peace. King also acknowledged Pfleger in her opening remarks calling him a brother.

I honor him not just as my friend, but also my brother. He has stood with me at some of my most difficult [times] in life, she said.

King spoke exactly one week from what would have been her fathers 83rd birthday calling Dr. King an apostle of non-violence. She said the Civil Rights pioneer was only successful because he had peace with God.

During the one hour sermon, King also challenged arguments that her father was passive in his Civil Rights efforts because he sought a non-violent method.

Does it take more courage to carry a gun or does it take more courage to stand up in the midst of dangerous situation?, she said.

King earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Spelman College. She also earned a graduate degree in Divinity and doctorate of Law Degrees from Emory University. A licensed attorney, she is currently a member of the State Bar of Georgia. In 2007, one year after her mothers death, King established the Be A King Scholarship in honor of Coretta Scott King.

It is truly an honor to have a seed of Dr. King return back to the pulpit of St. SabinaI have great respect and love for the King family, Pfleger said in a statement.

Pfleger said if it wasnt for Dr. King he would have not become a priest.

I am a priest today, let me be very clear, because of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he told parishioners.

Also during the service, Ondelee Perteet, a teen that was shot and paralyzed in 2009 was honored with a Blue Heart award because of his advocacy against gun violence.

Perteet was shot after attending a party in the Austin neighborhood. He had just graduated from eighth grade and was excited to attend Orr High School that fall.

Now, 17-years-old, Perteet visits area schools and informs students of the dangers and consequences of gun violence.

King concluded her sermon by saying people who are witnesses to crime need to be more vocal.

Our young people deserve it. The next generation is waiting, she said. Perteet listened attentively to King nodding his head in agreement.

by Thelma SardinTwitter: @thelmasardin

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.