Dr. Bernice King

Dr. Bernice A. King is a global leader in nonviolent social change, strategist, orator, peace advocate, and chief executive officer of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, established by her mother as the official living memorial to the life and legacy of her father. The youngest daughter of civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, King has established a career rooted in faith, law, and a commitment to nonviolent activism. She holds a degree in psychology and earned a Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Law.

King began her ministry at age 17, delivering an address against South African apartheid to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. She was arrested with her siblings during anti-apartheid protests and later delivered her trial sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where her father and grandfather served as pastors. King also became the first woman to serve as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization co-founded by her father. Her early activism and ministry work positioned her as a prominent voice in civil rights and social justice.

Appointed CEO of The King Center by the Board of Trustees, King advances her parents' legacy through policy, advocacy, research, education, and training in the Kingian philosophy of nonviolence, which she rebranded as Nonviolence365. Under her leadership, the Center has launched initiatives such as the Beloved Community Leadership Academy, Students with King, Nonviolence365 Education & Training, and The Beloved Community Talks. She also led the "Let Freedom Ring" event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and her father's "I Have a Dream" speech, attended by U.S. presidents, members of Congress, international dignitaries, and entertainers.

King is an author whose works extend her advocacy. Her book "Hard Questions, Heart Answers" and the children's book "It Starts with Me," part of The King Center's Be Love movement, reflect her commitment to education and nonviolence. She has participated in the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and met with Pope Francis at the Vatican during an event honoring her at the Center of Gandhi in Montelone di Puglia.

King's contributions have been recognized across civic, academic, and business communities. She received the Atlanta Business Chronicle Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Phoenix Award for significant societal contributions. The City of Atlanta also honored her with the Phoenix Award for outstanding achievements and service. King has received honorary degrees from Spelman College, Grinnell College, Wesley College, and Clinton College. Through her work in civil rights, social justice, and nonviolent leadership, King continues to promote the philosophy that nonviolence is a way of life.