Dr. Bernice King, a lawyer, minister, the youngest child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. joined Audacy’s The Big Tigger Morning Show to highlight Black History month, her father’s legacy, and remind everyone that we all play an important role in the fight for equality.

“We are all part of making history and being history… I don’t want that to be lost on people,” she shared while expressing her concerns surrounding the current political climate and the heavy impact on people of color. While acknowledging hurt and betrayal, King was quick to remind listeners of hope and the power of resilience.

“We are a resilient people, regardless of what comes at us,” she shared. “This is very terrible and evil times that we’re living in, but I don’t want us to ever forget that humanity has been in dark places like this.”

King shares she finds comfort and inspiration in the teachings of her father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., during times of turmoil and often leans on them to guide her next steps. Quoting her father’s last words to the community before he was assassinated, King stated, “The key is what my father said the night before he was assassinated… he told us to ‘maintain unity.’ If we don’t strengthen our community and keep our community strong, then these kind of things [current political climate] will just overwhelm us and we’ll feel defeated.”

The 61-year-old takes great pride knowing she isn’t the only one who is guided by the words of her father, which often gives her reassurance in the fight to end injustice. “There are so many people who are living today who draw their strength, their guidance, their inspiration from my father’s teachings… he’s gonna live in and through the people who believe in those teachings, regardless. It’s not just confined to our community, it’s a global thing.”

Hear more from Dr. Bernice King including her thoughts on Detroit Pastor Lorenzo Sewell quoting her father’s “I Have A Dream Speech” during the presidential inauguration above.

Words by Monica Rivera Interview by The Big Tigger Morning Show