The daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Bernice King, joined Avondale leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony for a memorial in her father’s honor. The Light of Hope memorial will replace one built in 1987 and removed in 2017 during construction of the I-71 interchange, MLK Jr. Drive, and Reading Road interchange.
Avondale leaders emphasized the significance of the memorial for future generations.
The new statue honoring MLK Jr. is set to be built in Avondale by 2026.
The event on Thursday, August 14, was part of the Midwest Black Family Reunion (BFR) celebration and included BFR Executive Director Tracey Farley-Artis; City of Cincinnati representatives; and other Cincinnati community leaders.
The monument will “serve as a powerful symbol of justice, equality and the ongoing pursuit of nonviolent change,” according to the City of Cincinnati.
“This memorial will stand as a testament in honoring Cincinnati’s Civil Rights leadership and will serve as a gathering place for future generations to learn and recommit themselves to justice,” said Raffel Prophett, president of the Martin Luther King Coalition.
Dr. Bernice A. King (born March 28, 1963) is a global thought leader, attorney, minister, and the youngest child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. As CEO of The King Center, she leads efforts to advance her parents’ legacy of nonviolence and social change—promoting the “Nonviolence365” philosophy internationally. A sought-after speaker, Dr. King has addressed audiences worldwide, championing justice, equality, and conflict resolution for new generations. She continues to inspire as a visionary leader, advocate, and peace activist.
Incredible to see a picture of Bernice King. Knowing the terrible way she lost her beloved Father. She looks beautiful and happy