Martin Luther King, III

  • Civil Rights Activist
  • Global Humanitarian
  • Political Leader

As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III has seized the torch lit by his parents and is continuing their quest for equality and justice for all people. Whether speaking to an audience in Mozambique or Mississippi, Israel or Indiana, his vision of the future has touched thousands. Motivating audiences around the world with his insightful message of hope and responsibility for nearly twenty years, Mr. King's dedication to creating and implementing strategic nonviolent action to rid the world of social, political, and economic injustice has propelled him to the forefront as one of the nation's most ardent advocates for the poor, the oppressed, and the disillusioned.

 



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Past Hosts Include:
  • Missouri Western University
  • WE Day
  • Lesher Foundation
  • The Kennedy Forum
  • Scholastic
  • Czech Teleaxis
  • Rowan University
  • Monreagh and First Derry Presbyterian Church
  • University of South Florida
Rave Reviews About Martin Luther King, III as a Speaker
MLK III was great! We had over 900 in attendance and I have only heard positive feedback from guests. He was great to work with and very accommodating. Great lecture, great speaker.

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Realizing the Dream of Dr. King & Coretta Scott King

MARTIN LUTHER KING III, the son of iconic civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, embodies a lifelong commitment to justice and human rights. His global humanitarian efforts have taken him across the world, where he has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of people eve ...

MARTIN LUTHER KING III, the son of iconic civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, embodies a lifelong commitment to justice and human rights. His global humanitarian efforts have taken him across the world, where he has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of people everywhere. With a profound understanding of the ongoing civil rights struggles, Martin Luther King III draws inspiration from his parents' legacy.

The King family has long understood that meaningful change is driven by the dedication of a few courageous individuals. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, through their leadership, exemplified this truth. Today, we stand at a critical juncture where the principles and values they fought for are being tested. Martin Luther King Jr. represented a moral force for change in our nation, and we are redoubling our efforts to carry forward their vision and realize the dream of equality for all.

Eradicating the Triple Evils Across the Globe

In MARTIN LUTHER KING III's speeches, he addresses the profound divisions our world faces today while advocating for the preservation of democracy, the expansion of voting rights, protecting the right to choose, and the assurance of fundamental rights for all. Central to his message is the need to r ...

In MARTIN LUTHER KING III's speeches, he addresses the profound divisions our world faces today while advocating for the preservation of democracy, the expansion of voting rights, protecting the right to choose, and the assurance of fundamental rights for all. Central to his message is the need to restore civility to our political conversations. Martin underscores the importance of cultivating a culture of nonviolence as the path to a more harmonious world, drawing lessons from history where civilizations that succumbed to fear ultimately met their decline. 

In our current moment, we too stand at a crossroads, faced with the choice between chaos and community. He urges us to stand unwaveringly for justice, truth, and righteousness as the means to navigate these challenges and build a brighter future for generations to come.

Endurance for Equality: The Marathon Towards Justice

In the quest for justice and equality, MARTIN LUTHER KING III emphasizes that the road ahead is not a sprint, but a marathon. He underscores the enduring nature of this struggle, with each generation playing a vital role in pushing the pendulum closer to a just society. He advocates for the cultivat ...

In the quest for justice and equality, MARTIN LUTHER KING III emphasizes that the road ahead is not a sprint, but a marathon. He underscores the enduring nature of this struggle, with each generation playing a vital role in pushing the pendulum closer to a just society. He advocates for the cultivation of a culture of nonviolence, promoting peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution through dialogue rather than harm. While recognizing incremental progress, it's clear that there's still a considerable journey ahead.

If his father, Martin Luther King Jr., were present today, he would observe both hopeful signs and disappointments in society. The unfinished work of Dr. King challenges us all to actively contribute to the creation of a nation where justice prevails. MLK III emphasizes that it's our collective responsibility to pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.

Diversity , Equity, & Inclusion

MARTIN LUTHER KING III has dedicated his life to advocating for policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion in all facets of work and life. Continuing the legacy of his father, King works to build a world where people of all skin tones and backgrounds have a voice in the conversation ...

MARTIN LUTHER KING III has dedicated his life to advocating for policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion in all facets of work and life. Continuing the legacy of his father, King works to build a world where people of all skin tones and backgrounds have a voice in the conversation and a seat at the table. In this informative and compelling speech, King highlights why creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not only a moral and ethical imperative, but also brings multi-faceted benefits. From boosting creativity to increased profits, studies show the enormously positive effects of actively building diverse teams and fostering an inclusive workplace in organizations across industries. King brings the research to light and delivers a powerful message on ethical responsibility, motivating audiences to promote diversity and inclusion in their own work environments to create teams that thrive on every level.

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<p>Martin Luther King, III draws a packed house and praise at Convocation on Critical Issues </p>

Martin Luther King, III draws a packed house and praise at Convocation on Critical Issues 

Delivering a keynote on Embracing the Ideals of Freedom, Justice and Equality at Missouri Western University’s Convocation on Critical Issues, Martin Luther King III riveted an audience of 4,000 (after the event had to be moved to a larger venue to accommodate demand) as he touched on issues of racial inequality, civil disobedience, promoting change, and more. A prestigious event that aims to “stimulate thought and debate,” King III’s visit was particularly timely as it came just after the 54th anniversary of his father’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. One of many headlines proclaimed “King III’s visit comes at the right time,” with the article stating: “It’s hard to imagine someone of prominence who would be more equipped to address important issues that have application in today’s American society.” A renowned civil rights leader, King III’s passionate remarks drew on his extensive experience as an activist and garnered lots of praise on Twitter: “An absolute honor to have Martin Luther King III on our campus at #MWSU and deliver such a great, unifying message ”; “Today's Convocation @MissouriWestern featuring @OfficialMLK3 was amazing. He spoke directly to my soul!”; A wonderful speaker, so glad to have the opportunity to bring students to hear MLK III." As the executive director of the MSWU foundation raved:The Convocation was phenomenal. Mr. King was so gracious and was well received by everyone. He is an amazing person.“

<p><strong>Martin Luther King, III shares empowering message as “Greatness in Leadership” keynote</strong></p>

Martin Luther King, III shares empowering message as “Greatness in Leadership” keynote

Delivering a keynote for over 1,000 business leaders and over 500 students at the Greatness in Leadership Management Development Day, Martin Luther King, III empowered with his message on how to inspire greatness, be a difference-maker and lead with intention. After speaking to a packed auditorium, King also sat down with several local news outlets to further highlight his message of inclusivity, meaningful social change and what it takes to be a leader. As King said, "What it takes is certainly determination, it takes courage, it takes commitment…A great leader is not just a great communicator, that's one of the key things that must exist, but he or she is really able to build coalitions, build a base of support."

Watch King at the Greatness in Leadership event >>
<p>NNPA honors Martin Luther King, III with Lifetime Legacy Award</p>

NNPA honors Martin Luther King, III with Lifetime Legacy Award

Martin Luther King, III was honored by The National Newspaper Publisher Association (NNPA) with the 2017 Lifetime Legacy Award at the group’s annual conference. An iconic civil rights activist and global humanitarian, King is a powerful advocate of his father Martin Luther King Jr.’s work leading nonviolent social change. As the President and CEO of the NNPA said:  “For decades, more than anyone else, Martin Luther King III has continued to personify and represent the living legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for freedom, justice and equality. He has carried on his father’s legacy quite honorably, quite admirably, and quite successfully.” Accepting his award, King spoke of the importance of the black press in addressing community issues. Touching on everything from the current political environment to the impact of social media and how to put community first, King inspired audience members with his message of strength and unity.

<p><strong>Martin Luther King, III makes headlines for bringing voting rights into the national spotlight </strong></p>

Martin Luther King, III makes headlines for bringing voting rights into the national spotlight

A vocal and passionate advocate of a more just voting rights system, Martin Luther King, III has made headlines for his thought leadership and innovative strategies in bringing the issue to the national spotlight. Starting with  powerful op-eds in The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune—both of which quickly went viral— King highlighted the work that remains in guaranteeing every citizen is able to vote, and how the issue is inextricably tied to race and socio-economic factors. Providing sharp analysis, King received praise for his pragmatic and tangible solutions to a problem that touches every part of our democracy. King has a proven track record of bringing creative leadership to crucial challenges, and made headlines yet again by working with the Miami Dolphins to become the first pro-sports franchise to register 100 percent of its players to vote. King spoke at the Dolphin’s training camp to announce the groundbreaking initiative, with the story quickly getting picked up by countless major outlets.  “Of course, the hope is that this translates to encouraging more people across our nation to get engaged and to vote because a vote-less people, as dad said, is a powerless people,” King told the Miami Herald. “One of the most important steps that we can take is that short step to the ballot box.” Frequently sought-out for his leadership and insight on social injustice, King was also selected to the Board of Let America Vote, an organization leading the fight for voting rights.

Read Martin Luther King, III’s powerful Washington Post op-ed >>
<p><strong>Marin Luther King III calls for justice during historic march on Washington </strong></p>

Marin Luther King III calls for justice during historic march on Washington

On the 54th Anniversary of his father’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King III led the Ministers March for Justice in Washington D.C. A call for religious leaders from all faiths to unite in the name of tolerance and equality, the march drew thousands to the capital and instantly made headlines in The Washington Post,  USA Today, Politico, and more for its impactful timing following the tragedy in Charlottesville. "If ever there was a time to stand up for justice, that time is now," King III told the crowd. "Now is the time for every man and woman to stand up for rightuousness, to stand up for fairness, to stand up for peace." An internationally renowned civil rights activist and an ambassador to his parent’s legacy, King III has brought his messages of leadership, tolerance, and standing up for meaningful change to audiences around the world. Recently awarded the 2017 Lifetime Legacy Award by the National Newspaper Publisher Association, King III was also sought-out by Missouri Western State University to keynote their Convocation on Critical Issues and deliver a speech on “Embracing the Ideals of Freedom, Justice and Equality.”  “Mr. King has a very important message for our students, employees and community members,” said the University’s President. “It is hard to believe that in 2018, his father will have been gone for 50 years, yet his message is still as relevant today as it was then.

<p>Martin Luther King, III keeps the drumbeat of peace and justice in today's difficult times</p>

Martin Luther King, III keeps the drumbeat of peace and justice in today's difficult times

Mass shootings. Violence between police and American citizens.  Poverty in our wealthy nation.  Political rhetoric about race and diversity. America remains in need of a light to guide us through injustice and violence toward the peaceful fulfillment of MLK's dream.

Get info about bringing MLK III's message to your audience >>
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Biography

Civil rights advocate and global humanitarian Martin Luther King III is shepherding the healing of our nation and the world, connecting the important lessons of the past with the critical needs of our future and motivating a new generation of authentic leaders.

As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III is a thought leader on the world stage, a peace maker, and a negotiator on some of today’s most critical national and international platforms for social change. Amplifying the work of his father, Mr. King has devoted his life to promoting global human rights and eradicating racism, violence, and poverty — referred to by his father as the “triple evils” and the “scourges of humankind” — on every continent except Antarctica.

Most recently, Martin, alongside his wife, Arndrea, have taken over leadership of the Drum Major Institute, a nonprofit organization started over 60 years ago with the goal of advancing the core mission and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The work of the Drum Major Institute is as important today as it was then, inspiring each individual to embrace their unique contribution to peace, justice, and equity.

Determined to actualize his father's vision, his strength, kindness, and perseverance emanate with every speech he gives, influencing the masses and getting us closer to realizing his father's dream.

"If we are to be a great democracy, we must all take an active role in our democracy. We must do democracy. That goes far beyond simply casting your vote. We must all actively champion the causes that ensure the common good." - MLK III