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'People want to see community' | Martin Luther King III reflects on his father's legacy

The eldest son of Martin Luther King Jr. reflected on his life, legacy and the next generation of changemakers.

WASHINGTON — At the tidal basin on a chilly winter day, many visitors  took the time Sunday to pause and look up at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, ahead of a federal holiday meant to mark the civil rights icon's birthday. Fifty-six years after MLK was assassinated, visitors from across the country are still awed by the symbol of Dr. King’s life and legacy.

“What he did and what he said was just a lasting impression on all of us,” explains Lanai Jordan, a visitor from Richmond, Virginia. 

It's been decades since Martin Luther King Jr. made his mark in Washington D.C. This year would have marked the leader’s 95th birthday. 

“In an area where you have monuments of presidents and memorials, this is the one that represents peace,” Martin Luther King III, Dr. King's eldest son, said of the stone sculpture honoring his father. 

RELATED: These roads are closed for the MLK Day Parade in DC Monday

King said navigating today’s political landscape and keeping his father's legacy of “peace” alive is tricky.


“Here in 2024 we are seeing chaos emerging every day, but I think people want to see community,” he said. 

RELATED: Here's where you can volunteer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the DMV

In a world that’s so divided, King said the biggest challenge is finding common ground and creating civility. Now, the spotlight is on the next generation, paving the way towards a brighter future. 

“I think this generation is ready, willing, able and is going to make this nation truly the nation it ought to become,” MLK III said. 

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