Monday, January 04, 2016

Bernice A. King, the chief executive officer of the King Center, will be the keynote speaker for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The event will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22 in Kenan Auditorium. 

Born the youngest daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Bernice King began her oratorical journey when she spoke in her mother’s stead at the United Nations at age 17. Through her work at the King Center, she has continued to educate youth and others about the Kingian nonviolence principles, a philosophy and methodology that provides the knowledge, skills and motivation necessary for people to pursue peaceful strategies for solving personal and community problems.

“We are so fortunate to have the distinguished Dr. Bernice King to speak at the university’s annual Martin Luther King event honoring the incredible legacy of her father,” said Kent Guion, UNCW chief diversity officer. “She shares the critical messages of community, mentorship and remaining steadfast to advancing the rights of humankind. It's through the work of several community partners that we are able to share her talents and timely messages.”

The university is partnering with the City of Wilmington to host the event.

“It is an awesome opportunity for the City of Wilmington, especially our youth,” said Atiba Johnson, chairman of the city’s Commission on African American History. “The commission is very appreciative of the opportunity to work with UNCW and hope all will support this event and the many events planned in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.”

All tickets for the event have been claimed.