Bernice King has dedicated her life to preserving her father’s legacy. Martin Luther King, Jr. is among the most respected and revered men in American history. It’s understandable, then, that Bernice King would be offended by Donald Trump’s recent comments. The Presidential nominee likened himself to MLK, Jr. during a recent speech. Not only did he evoke the activist’s name, but he bragged about drawing a much bigger crowd than he did in the 1960s. Bernice King had plenty to say on the matter on August 9.
Donald Trump’s comments are worth unpacking for context. The former President not only put himself on the same level as MLK, but he did so while discussing the January 6 insurrection. “The biggest crowd I’ve ever spoken before was that day,” he told reporters. “If you look at Martin Luther King, when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours. Same real estate, same everything. Same number of people, if not, we had more.” Americans were appalled by the parallel, especially given the context of the insurrection and Dr. King’s reputation for peaceful protests. The approaches of Trump and Dr. King are, for many, diametrically opposed.
Bernice King is one of the many. She took to Twitter to fact-check Donald Trump’s statement, and make sure her father’s reputation remained ironclad. She quote tweeted the clip in which Donald Trump said he drew a bigger crowd than Martin Luther King, Jr. and posted a photo of her father. “Absolutely not true,” Bernice King tweeted. “I really wish that people would stop using my father to support fallacy.” The facts are in King’s favor. Trump claimed that he drew “more people” than Dr. King, but in reality, he only drew an estimated 53,000 people. By comparison. Dr. King’s March on Washington brought 250,000 people together in 1963. Not only was the ex-President’s statement untrue, it wasn’t even close to being true.
This is not the first time Bernice King has criticized Donald Trump. In 2018, King spoke out against the President during a public event the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. She urged churchgoers to not be swayed by Trump’s rhetoric, or allow his views to shape the way they perceive American values. “[We] cannot allow the nations of the world to embrace the words that come from our president as a reflection of the true spirit of America,” she stated. “Our collective voice in this hour must always be louder than the one who sometimes does not reflect the legacy of my father.”
The world has come to stand and acknowledge the 50-year mark of the assassination of a man who is defined as being the most influential civil rights leader in American history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On April 4, 1968, as he stood on the balcony of Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Dr. King was fatally struck with a bullet by James Earl Ray, an unlawful racist. The striking assassination of Dr. King follows a sturdy 14-year reign serving as a dominant figure in the civil rights movement fighting for the security of legal rights for African Americans. It was a fight drilled with nonviolence and civil disobedience, being burgeoned by the vile acts of racial segregation, disenfranchisement, and exploitation of all hanging from the centerfold of racism.
The powerfully symphonic voice of Dr. King in his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech delivered at the 1963 March on Washington sets the tone for emotional empowerment. It is currently the most sampled Dr. King audio recording in hip-hop history. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his sound legacy. Here are nine hip-hop songs sampled by the legendary leader’s voice.
1. Sadat X “Return of the Bang Bang” (2010)
Reigning from the silver-tongued posse who is bound to their divine blackness is Sadat X of Brand Nubian on the solo tip with “Return of the Bang Bang.” The unorthodox emcee takes to the mic to drop insight about his daily journey as a seasoned vet returning to the game. In his signature abstract style, Sadat uses Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” passage to serve rightful diction in his tunnel of bars. “Return of the Bang Bang” is featured on Sadat’s 2010 sequel gem Wild Cowboys II.
2. Heavy D & the Boyz “A Better Land” (1989)
One of the golden era’s finest, the late Heavy D is pouring his soul out in rhyme in “A Better Land” with his boyz about improving the meager conditions of impoverished communities. The telling track starts with a sample of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech that ends with one of his most acquainted quotes, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men, are created equal.”
3. Edo G feat. Masta Ace “Wishing” (2004)
Donald Trump is not the first President of the United States to be highly scorned by most of his country. Back in 2004, George W. Bush was in office, turning America’s dream into a nightmare with his jest-like measures. Edo G and Masta Ace took to the mic to release their wishes while demanding intrinsic change in the American way. After Masta Ace crops the title of a dreamer, Dr. King’s infamous line about his dream for freedom and justice in Mississippi hoards the track.
4. Cyhi Da Prynce “Ring Bellz” (2010)
Cyhi Da Prynce is honoring his cultural edge through the barrels of black history in “Ring Bellz” a song from his 2010 mixtape Royal Flush. While mixing his braggadocios persona with black excellence, the G.O.O.D. music wordplayer takes it from Fredrick Douglass to Stokely Carmichael, with the profound words from Dr. King’s beloved speech leading the track.
5. Common feat. will.i.am “A Dream” (2006)
Chicago’s renowned poet in rhyme Common teamed up with will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas for a true hip-hop measure that reflects on the progression and condition of blacks in a known racist America, the way Dr. King stood sturdy for titled “A Dream.” Owning the same desire for nation zenith, just as King, it was sensible for the abstract collab to start with King’s pacifying “We gonna work it out” saying.
6. Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five “The King” (1988)
With Melle Mel being heralded as one of hip-hop’s earliest conscious rappers, the lingering legacy of Dr. King has certainly played a role during hip-hop’s infancy. The hip-hop pioneer rocks the mic with delight honoring the deeds of Dr. King by recognizing the Civil rights icon’s brightest accomplishments while calling for the bells of freedom. “He brought hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak.”
7. Wu-Tang Clan “Never Let Go” (2014)
Known for their supremely motivational rap hymns, the Wu-Tang Clan hit the masses with a dream driven tune in signature fashion. Docking off of their sixth studio album A Better Tomorrow is “Never Let Go” an ode to survival during challenging times. Before Masta Killa leads and after U-God anchors the track, a courteous potent chunk of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is heard where the beloved leader makes one of his most bracing points, “For many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.”
8. Boogie Down Productions “Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Material Love)” (1990)
Emphasis is something KRS-One has mastered as a lyricist. Amid the prime of Boogie Down Productions‘ fourth studio album Edutainment comes its top single “Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Material Love),” a song that serves as a warning about the detrimental lust that comes with chasing after material things. To throw emphasis on “movin’ on,” the voice of Dr. King chanting the phrase from his final speech “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top.”
9. Immortal Technique feat. Chuck D, Brother Ali, and Killer Mike “Civil War” (2011)
Budding off of the musically factious Immortal Technique‘s 2011 compilation album The Martyr is “Civil War” featuring Chuck D, Brother Ali, and Killer Mike, an unapologetic effort to audibly express “trying to survive cultural assassination,” the great PE lead makes it clear in the chorus. The track samples a selection of King’s final speech, where the iconic leader encourages the destruction of fear in exchange for glory.
Dr. King’s call for sound justice fused into a faithful dream for African Americans has thrived its way into hip-hop culture out of the purpose of nature. The infancy of hip-hop culture is a result of movements that brewed during Dr. King’s time. Movements that were centered in the fight for justice and art of freedom such as the Black Panther Party and Black Arts Movement, who all commonly owned a desire to climb the path of racial justice. The youth of hip-hop’s beginnings dreamed of topnotch mobility out of the hood, reversing the culture of police brutality, and several cases of discrimination ceased. Now, since the culture has grown into a universal phenomenon, Dr. King’s dreamy element of justice is emblematic in hip-hop whenever he is sampled on a track.
As we approach the inspiring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) invites families and children to join a weekend filled with educational and creative activities from January 13 to 15 and every Saturday and Sunday throughout January. This special event aims to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King while exploring his powerful concept of the “Beloved Community.”
Engaging in Dr. King’s Vision
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a “Beloved Community”—a global vision rooted in justice, inclusiveness, equal opportunity, and compassion for others. CMOM’s celebration of Dr. King’s Day weekend provides a unique opportunity for families to delve into this concept through purposeful design and visionary art-making. Each weekend in January will explore a different theme inspired by Dr. King’s vision.
Activities for All Ages
1. Building a Beloved Community Mural
When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: 1st Floor What: Contribute to a massive and evolving community mural by writing, drawing, coloring, and collaging onto a rainbow of sticky notes.
2. Mighty Community Art Installation
When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: 1st Floor What: Inspired by Dr. King’s vision, use boxes, paint markers, and collage to design a neighborhood filled with the workers and resources it needs to thrive.
3. CMOM’s I Have a Dream Community Wreath
When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 11 am & 2 pm Where: 3rd Floor What: Trace your hands, write your dream or hope for your community, and watch CMOM’s I Have a Dream Community Wreath grow larger throughout the week.
4. Interactive Storytime: Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Kid’s Book About Advancing Civil Rights With Nonviolence
When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 4 pm Where: 3rd Floor What: Join an engaging read-aloud introducing kids to the Civil Rights movement and the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
5. Honored in Portrait
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 20 & 21 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: 1st Floor What: Explore paintings of Black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and others. Express your vision of peace and respect in a painting of an influential leader.
6. Community Helpers
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 20 & 21 | 11 am & 2 pm Where: 3rd Floor What: Collage, doodle, and paste your favorite community job uniforms onto a mini version of yourself on a spinning cup, exploring the many ways people in the neighborhood help the community thrive.
7. Pledge for the Future: Comic Book Creations
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 27 & 28 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: 1st Floor What: Create a comic book character inspired by the work of science fiction author Octavia Butler, sharing your vision and pledge for a better future.
8. Healing Homes and Habitats
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 27 & 28 | 11 am & 2 pm Where: 3rd Floor What: Draw, design, and build a solution to an issue important to you, inspired by the designs of architects like Paul Revere Williams and Norma Merrick Sklarek.
Join the Celebration
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan invites families and children of all ages to be part of this special celebration. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit CMOM’s Programs. Celebrate the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interactive and educational activities that foster a sense of community, compassion, and creativity.
Little girls everywhere have been enamored with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” since its blockbuster debut, From themed parties to private showings, the mega hit movie has left a lasting impression on even the tiniest fans.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King and her parents recently explored the world of “The Little Mermaid” with Ariel at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. It’s unbelievable that Martin Luther King III, Arndrea King and Yolanda, celebrating her 15th birthday at the most magical place on earth. The legendary family were among the first guests to meet Ariel from the live-action story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and were all smiles.
Today (January 16), the U.S. is celebrating the life and activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Millions of people reflect on Dr. King and his leadership during the Civil Rights Movement, and it’s easy to find tributes shared throughout social media. Recently, Boston also added to the celebratory events by unveiling a new 22-foot bronze statue that wasn’t well received by the public.
The Washington Post later reported the statue was created by sculptor Hank Willis Thomas. It was said to honor “the relationship between the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King.” However, the internet was soon flooded with negative reactions, including one from Coretta’s cousin, Seneca Scott.
Boston, MA – January 12: Embrace, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common. (Photo by Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
“For my family, it’s rather insulting,” Scott penned in an essay for Compact. He further said the “sculpture is an especially egregious example of the woke machine’s callousness and vanity.”
“Ten million dollars were wasted to create a masturbatory metal homage to my legendary family members — one of the all-time greatest American families,” Scott also stated. “How could anyone fail to see that this … brings very few, if any, tangible benefits to struggling black families?”
Meanwhile, the statue shows an embrace inspired by an image of Dr. King, who hugged his wife Coretta after learning he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Boston, MA – January 10: Embrace, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common. (Photo by Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Moreover, sculptor Thomas explained his vision to The Boston Globe.
“This work is really about the capacity for each of us to be enveloped in love,” Tomas additionally shared. “And I feel enveloped in love every time I hear the names and see the faces of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.”
Check out images of the statue and a few reactions, and let us know what you think of the tribute.
On Friday, a new monument was unveiled in Boston Common called “The Embrace,” honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. It was inspired by this hug in 1964 after he won the Nobel Peace Prize, and I think it’s beautiful. pic.twitter.com/ScKm8QhLHw
It goes without saying that being Black in the 1960s was not easy, and often led to fatal results for those who were outspoken. In a recently declassified FBI file on the late Aretha Franklin, it was revealed that she was extensively tracked by the bureau for her civil rights activism and close relationships with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Angela Davis.
The document, including over 270 pages of information, details that there were death threats against the late singer in addition to negative characterizations of her Southern Christian Leadership Conference performances in the 1960s. They were labeled “communist infiltration” events, and the memorial concert at the Atlanta Braves stadium was specifically cited as it “would provide emotional spark which could ignite racial disturbance.”
With regards to Angela Davis, she was noted as “facing murder-kidnapping charges in California” and a concert sponsored by the National United Committee with the goal of freeing Angela Davis was being held by “an organization founded by The Communist Party, United States of America.” Aretha Franklin had offered to post bail on Davis’s behalf, which was not reflected in the FBI file.
Franklin was deemed a potential performer at alleged threatening events, though the characterizations far exceed the number of events that she actually appeared at.
Check out the full declassified FBI file on Aretha Franklin here.
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