King Plans to Carry Out Nonviolence Legacy

  

By ERRIN HAINES
Associated Press Writer

ATLANTA ? The youngest daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. told a teen audience Saturday that she intends to do more to carry on the legacy of nonviolence espoused by her parents.

"I haven't done as much as I should be doing in the last few years of my life," the Rev. Bernice King said at a panel discussion for teens as part of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. 20th Annual Conference, which ends Sunday.

"My desire is not to be a hypocrite. I want to make sure my life is not a contradiction when I take a platform," she said.

King said she is looking inward to discover how she can more fully embrace a nonviolent lifestyle.

"Nonviolence is deeper than turning the other cheek," she told the teens.

King said she has been recovering from the death of her mother, Coretta, who died in January, and is praying for direction on how she can best honor her parents' memories.

"I'm asking God, 'Where do I belong in this thing?' Just because I'm Dr. King's daughter doesn't mean I'm supposed to be on the front line for everything," she said.

King was only five years old when her father was slain in 1968 in Memphis, Tenn.

The 100 Black Men has mentored thousands of children since it began in 1986 with nine chapters. Now 10,000 members strong, the group focuses on mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic development.

 * 100 Black Men of America: http://www.100blackmen.org



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06.12.2006