"A cartoon about my father from the 1960s. At the time he was assassinated, a poll reflected that he was one of the most hated men in the United States.
Today, his message has been distorted by many who would have hated him then, but evoke him now to deter justice and truth."
Source: Bernice A. King, Dr. King's daughter, on Instagram
Bernice A. King, MLK's daughter, spoke to an audience at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church.
The daughter of the late Martin Luther King, Jr. warned Monday of "sinister forces" and "some disturbing things to come" just hours before President-elect Trump retook office.
Why it matters: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change commemorated MLK Day on Monday as Trump is expected to sign a slew of executive orders ending diversity and inclusion initiatives in the federal government and laying the groundwork for mass deportations.
Bernice A. King, MLK's daughter, told an audience at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church that advocates "will remain woke" against rollbacks of civil rights gains as the new administration's agenda takes hold.
The big picture: The federal holiday commemorating King's birthday and the presidential inauguration fall on the same day — a paradox that civil rights leaders say underscores the nation's deep divide.
What they're saying: "It has become a major factor for so many people because of the notable contrast in the two men who are sharing the same space in today's news cycle and on today's Gregorian calendar," King said.
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Today we honor and celebrate a true leader and visionary who courageously fought for justice, equality, and civil rights. Dr. King dedicated his life to ensuring that future generations could live in a world with greater freedom, dignity, and opportunity. His legacy reminds us to continue striving for unity, fairness, and love in the pursuit of equal rights for all.