Monday marked the annual commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr Day (MLK Day) in the United States and it saw the usual pouring in of tributes as well as paying of homage to the iconic civil rights activist from prominent personalities and people across the world.
Though MLK is remembered for his charisma and indelible mark and contributions during the civil rights movement, many politicians and institutions used his image to project their agendas at the displeasure of his youngest child and daughter, Bernice King.
It started with the controversial National Rifle Association (NRA) which tweeted that Dr King “applied for a concealed carry permit in a “may issue” state and was denied. We will never stop fighting for every law-abiding citizen’s right to self-defense.”
Bernice King was quick to clarify the history by stating: “This is not the full story, @NRA. My father evolved beyond this moment. Your tweet is a regrettable, very unfortunate one, especially on today. I invite you to study him and his nonviolent philosophy.”
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence also implied on the day that their fight for a wall at the Mexico border was in line with what MLK fought for. This received some backlash.
“No, @VP Pence and @realDonaldTrump, #MLK would have never supported your wall. If he were alive today, MLK would probably be leading a #TSAStrike to end your shutdown,” tweeted the Somali American Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
In a series of Tweets, Bernice King suggested other ways her father, who lived an exemplary life, could be “authentically honored”.
Read them below:
The true face of Amenhotep III, the pharaoh who ruled ancient Egypt at its zenith…
Derrick Hayes is the founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, one of the fastest-growing businesses in…
After a challenging academic path, Ron Lewis Jr. is on track to graduate with a…
It has emerged that singer Beyoncé made sure Vice President Kamala Harris experienced the magic…
Two months ago, an attacker fatally stabbed 11-year-old Jayden Perkins as he attempted to defend…
Cardi B has spoken for the first time on the guilt she felt canceling her…
A'ja Wilson is one of the top women's basketball players and an athletic hero. Before…
Cur'Dericka Rice has made headlines after receiving nearly $1 million in scholarships from 13 universities.…
Authorities in Florida have brought charges against a woman accused of fatally beating her 4-year-old…
Harris Wolobah, the 14-year-old whose family said he died after suffering complications from eating a…
Authorities in Chamblee, Georgia, have arrested and charged a 28-year-old man who allegedly ejaculated on…
Manika Gamble recently made history as the first Black woman to complete a 155-mile, seven-day…
Meet Tiffany Rose Dean; she is the founder of Hollywood Hair Bar, a $45 million…
Lil Baby's music video shoot was marred by gunshots on Tuesday evening, leading to three…
Micaela Varlack is extremely upset that her daughter's hair was changed without her consent by…