Bernice King rails against anti-DEI rhetoric on MLK Jr. Day and Inauguration Day

FILE - Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., addresses the crowd at the Georgia state Capitol on Monday. A March for Humanity, marking the 50th anniversary of the civil rights leader's funeral, commenced at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and concluded at the state Capitol. (Todd Kirkland/Associated Press)

The daughter of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is taking a firm stance calling out “anti-woke” rhetoric being used to divide the country. 

Dr. Bernice A. King gave a speech during the annual commemorative service for her father Monday at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was once pastor.

Several civil rights leaders and city officials attended the service. King, however, took note of another prominent event that coincided with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day — the second inauguration of President Donald Trump.



“So as we commemorate the King holiday, stand at the dawn of a new presidential era under Donald Trump, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our nation’s history,” King said. “Where the very foundations of freedom, justice, and democracy that my father fought so tirelessly to build are being shaken.”

Trump is planning to sign an executive order on his first day as president that would roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government. Conservative proponents of Trump argued that DEI programs are discriminatory and favor minority groups.

During Trump’s inauguration speech, he referenced Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, saying that he will fulfill what he perceives as King’s mission by creating “a society that is colorblind and merit-based.”

“We will strive together to make his dream a reality. We will make his dream come true,” he said.

But Bernice King believes that “anti-woke” rhetoric has become a weapon to distract from real issues of injustice.

“Let me be clear, to be woke is to be aware of oppression and committed to justice. And this ain’t no threat, this is not a threat to America, but a reflection of America’s highest ideals,” King said.

Others who attended the service, like Raymond Mitchell, say remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is what’s most important.

“I’m sorry it happened on the same day as this president’s inauguration. But I still think it’s important to celebrate today as best we can despite all the distractions,” Mitchell said.