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You Are Part of the Dream
Are you a difference-maker? In this empowering keynote, Martin Luther King III reveals that the answer to this question can always be, “yes.” Regardless of where we’re from or what we do, King shows we have the power to mobilize, speak out and make a difference. With a career in activism that spans decades, King serves as an ambassador of his parent’s legacy of nonviolent social change and strong leadership in the face of challenge. Whether promoting peace in foreign countries, leading demonstrations against unjust labor practices, or pushing for effective legislation, King has always met deeply-entrenched issues with innovative strategies and inspiring action. Drawing on his wealth of experience as the driving force behind countless institutional, political and social movements, King shares his lessons on how to be a force for positive change, and inspired audiences to make a lasting difference in their own work and lives regardless of their backgrounds or the obstacles.
Race and Politics in America
In today’s uncertain and divisive political times, issues such as voter rights, gun control, race, police violence and the security of our cities, remain crucial topics of conversation at the forefront of policy leaders’ and citizens’ minds. Drawing on his personal experience as an advocate for justice and social change, Martin Luther King, III addresses pressing issues of poverty, violence and injustice, shedding light on a successful and equitable path forward.
Continuing the Legacy: Civil Rights in the 21st Century
As the son of Martin Luther King, Jr., the most iconic civil rights leaders of the 20th century, taking a stand against injustice and advocating for human rights is in Martin Luther King, III’s blood. A global humanitarian who has traveled worldwide to make a difference in the lives of all people, King has unique insights into the civil rights battles still being waged today Reflecting back on the example and work of his father, King shares Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, calling attention to what is left to be done, and the steps needed to make equality for all not just a dream, but a reality.
Diversity and 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 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.
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.“
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 >>
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.
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 >>
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.”
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 >>
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.
“I go to schools and ask kids what they are worried about, and too often, they say they are worried that someone will come into their school and shoot them,” Mr. King says. “We must focus on eradicating violence — not teaching our children to cope with it.”
Having been arrested in peaceful protests more than a dozen times, Mr. King’s actions demonstrate his commitment to serving as an ambassador of social change. “Society has embraced a culture of violence,” he says, “but today’s real leaders must think about how to create a culture of non-violence because our culture cannot sustain itself if we continue to operate this way.” An experienced and respected international statesman who has consulted with numerous heads of state and governments, his dedication to implementing strategic, nonviolent solutions to stop the rise of social, political, and economic injustice has built his reputation as one of the world’s most passionate advocates for the poor and oppressed.
With the past year’s astounding display of social injustice and violence, perhaps at no other time in recent history has our world needed the clear thinking and solutions-oriented voice of Mr. King. In August 2020, on the anniversary of his father’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and in response to the Memorial Day death of George Floyd, Mr. King addressed thousands from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” March On Washington, urging the people who had traveled from across the country to continue Martin Luther King Jr.’s pursuit of racial equality.
In August 2021, the 58th anniversary of that same speech, Martin, his wife, Arndrea Waters King, and their daughter, Yolanda Renee King, were the face of a national movement to demand federal action on voting rights legislation - leading marches all across the country, including Washington, DC. In January 2022, building on the powerful slate of grassroots partners, Martin and Arndrea took to the streets of Washington, once again, to call on Congress to act to protect the sacred right to vote, joining with nearly 100 partner organizations and members of the faith-based community.
In his trademark logical approach to problem-solving, Mr. King raises the public discourse on social issues and challenges us all to do better. “If we can live a day in peace, why can’t we live a week in peace? If we can live a week in peace, why can’t we live a month? If we can live a month, why not a year? And if we can achieve a year, why not a lifetime?”
Most recently, Martin and Arndrea have taken over leadership of the Drum Major Institute, a nonprofit organization started over 60 years ago. The Drum Major Institute has built a reputation advancing the core mission and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With a focus on continuing the King legacy through education, action, engagement with world leaders, and collaboration with socially conscious organizations, 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 for all through common-sense solutions to our most pressing problems.
After successfully re-launching the Drum Major Institute, Martin and Arndrea set out to empower Black and Brown organizers to mobilize ahead of the 2024 election. With 40 organizations now funded in the initial round of grants, the Drum Major Coalition has set an ambitious goal of raising and investing $100 million in mobilization efforts ahead as the 2024 election approaches.
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