Bernice King says MLK Day is a 'saving grace' amid political division

Bernice King told the Associated Press that MLK Day provides a sense of sanity and morality amid political division, and she cited rollbacks of DEI initiatives, changes to government historical materials, and recent immigration enforcement actions.

Bernice King described this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday as "somewhat of a saving grace." She said the holiday inserts a sense of sanity and morality into a troubling political climate. King, who leads the King Center in Atlanta, pointed to actions such as rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, edits to historical material on government sites, and recent immigration enforcement operations. She said the King Center plans to redevelop a curriculum aimed at encouraging nonviolent approaches and respect for humanity among officers. What is known: - Bernice King told The Associated Press the holiday offers a moral touchstone amid political division. - She cited rollbacks of DEI initiatives, edits to government historical materials and museum programming, and immigration enforcement operations that have led to family separations. - A White House spokesperson said those actions are intended to serve the American people, including rolling back harmful DEI agendas and enforcing immigration laws. - King said the King Center will work to redevelop a curriculum to promote nonviolent methods for law enforcement and encouraged inward reflection and service to honor her father’s legacy. Summary: The interview highlights differing views about how the nation’s history and civil-rights progress are being addressed under current policies and notes efforts by the King Center to promote nonviolent approaches. Undetermined at this time.