Martin Luther King III reflects on his father's legacy on Long Island
MLK’s son visits Long Island School
Martin Luther King III visited Great Neck South High School, standing on the same stage where his father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke nearly 60 years ago. FOX 5's Jodi Goldberg has the story.
Martin Luther King III stood on the same stage where his father spoke nearly six decades ago on Thursday at Great Neck South High School, sharing reflections on the life and enduring legacy of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A call for unity
What we know:
The human rights activist and eldest son of Dr. King encouraged students to strive to be their best selves regardless of superficial differences.
"What kind of nation do you want to create for yourself, for your future family, and for generations unborn?" Martin Luther King III asked.
Dr. Martin Luther King is seen here delivering a sermon during Washington Episcopal Cathedral's services.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing and uplifting diverse cultures in America.
"We need to be elevating every culture because every culture made a contribution to this nation," he said.
MLK III launches movement calling for greater community service
The backstory:
In anticipation of what would have been Dr. King's 100th birthday, his son has launched a movement encouraging people to contribute 100 million hours of community service. He urged individuals to take part through acts of love and compassion in honor of his father's legacy.
"All we gotta do is a little something every day," King III said.
Martin Luther King III speaks during a memorial service for Ethel Kennedy on October 16, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC. Kennedy, a tireless advocate for human rights and widow of assassinated US politician Robert
Dr. King’s fight against poverty, racism, and violence in the 1960s continues today.
"He wanted to erase from our society poverty, racism, and violence, and those triple evils are still within our midst," he added.
What they're saying:
Reflecting on today's political climate, Martin Luther King III shared his belief that his father would be disappointed with the division in the world today.
"I know the message that he articulated is needed now just as much as it was 58 years ago," he said.
Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful about the future and the potential of young people to create positive change.
"I have a lot of hope in the future and young people," he said.