Old Dominion University will host Dr. Bernice A. King to deliver the keynote address at the university’s 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Observance on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The observance event, which is free and open to public, begins at 6:30 p.m. at Chartway Arena. Parking is available in the Constant Center 43rd Street Garage. The event was rescheduled from a planned appearance in 2024.
Bernice A. King, attorney and author, serves as CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center), which was founded by her mother, Coretta Scott King, as the official living memorial to the life, work and legacy of her father. In her position, she continues to advance her parents’ legacy of nonviolent social change through policy, advocacy, education and training.
“Old Dominion University is truly honored to welcome Dr. Bernice King to learn how we can build upon the legacies of her parents, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, both in our daily efforts and through our important mission of teaching, research and service,” ODU President Dr. Brian O. Hemphill said. “Her unwavering commitment to carrying forward their strong advocacy for current and future generations is a true inspiration.”
Under her leadership, The King Center has implemented initiatives reaching more than 500,000 people around the world. She led the development of a certification program in the Kingian philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence365® (NV365), and serves as an instructor for the program.
In 2013, King led “Let Freedom Ring,” an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, where her father delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Event participants included President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, President Jimmy Carter, members of the U.S. Congress and international leaders, dignitaries and entertainers.
She has worked to encourage business leaders in Atlanta to become more active in support of racial equity and social justice issues, including the successful passage of Georgia’s Hate Crime legislation.
She is a recipient of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s highest honor, the Phoenix Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society. In 2021, she received the Atlanta Business Chronicle Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She is the author of “Hard Questions, Hard Answers” and a children’s book, “It Starts with Me.”
King holds a Doctor of Law from Emory University, a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Spelman College. She also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Wesley College and Clinton College, and recently received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Spelman College.
The 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Observance will include presentation of ODU’s Hugo Owens Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Award, recognizing an outstanding individual or organization that has made considerable contributions to civil rights, politics, housing and social programs through leadership, dedication and persistence. Owens, a civil rights leader in Hampton Roads who died in 2009, was a tireless advocate for the university and served as the first Black rector of the university’s Board of Visitors from 1990 to 1994.
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Rebecca Barnabi
