Bernice King Reflects On 2020, Explains The Power Of Nonviolence

Bernice King says she was born into a family of activism and believes in a balanced and strategic approach to addressing racial and social justice issues holistically.

“I come through a family who has lived under the threat– all the time of being killed and destroyed– even during my mother’s lifetime, and so I clearly understand the pain, the suffering, I’m a Black woman in America, ”said King.

The youngest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King made those comments speaking on Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look” while reflecting on the eruption of several violent protests this year following the police killings of multiple unarmed Black men and women.

King spoke candidly to show host Rose Scott about the need for change and how she channeled her own emotions surrounding the evils of racism. She explained white supremacy and how she believes it permeates every system in America, saying the time is now for Black people to follow in her father’s approach and organize their strengths into a compelling power to address social and racial justice issues adequately in an agenda format.

“Nonviolence is not just the act of reframing from hitting somebody, it is actually is a way of thinking, and engaging, and planning and speaking,” said King, who serves as The CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

During the virtual conversation, King also spoke about several other topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 election and explained how her family’s organization will continue working towards creating a more just, humane and equal society.

Guest:

• Bernice King, global thought leader, Baptist minister and the CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

To listen to the full conversation, click the audio player above.