Levine Museum of the New South, in partnership Bank of America, will host Dr. Bernice A. King, the daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center), on September 15 for a virtual conversation on how our community and nation can move forward together in a world of growing racial and political divisiveness.
The conversation, titled “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” is the latest in a series of events hosted by Levine Museum addressing social justice and the fight for racial equity. Recent programs have included a panel with former South Carolina state representative and racial justice activist Bakari Sellers and the exhibit “It Happened Here,” which builds on the Equal Justice Initiative’s research into the history of lynching across America.
Through her work at The King Center, Dr. King continues to educate youth and adults about the nonviolent principles modeled by her parents. Under Dr. King’s leadership, the Center has expanded and enhanced its community engagement through Nonviolence365™, a training and education initiative focused on peaceful resolution; launched the “Better Together: Racial Reconciliation” initiative for pastors and church leaders; and initiated the “Beloved Community Talks” to encourage conversations about the difficult racial issues impacting our communities, nation and world.
“You’re never too young to raise your voice and make a difference, and Dr. King and The King Center’s efforts are ensuring generations of America’s youth will do just that,” shared Andrea Smith, Bank of America’s Chief Administrative Officer. “We are pleased to partner with Levine Museum of the New South for this important conversation to increase awareness of the chronic issues affecting our nation. Every step counts toward driving positive change across our communities.”
“In Charlotte and around the country, we’re learning that our voices matter,” said Kieth Cockrell, Chief Operating Officer for Bank of America’s Global Operations & Technology organization and Board Chair of the Levine Museum of the New South Board of Directors. “Dr. King’s leadership is incredibly important in helping us elevate community engagement and we’re honored to have her share her perspective with us.”
“As Charlotte, and the entire nation, struggles with issues of equity and justice, Dr. King’s message has never been more timely or important,” says Kathryn Hill, President & CEO of Levine Museum of the New South. “Levine Museum is so pleased to bring Dr. King to Charlotte and grateful to Bank of America for making this program possible.”
Dr. King also spearheaded the 2018 ‘Let Freedom Ring and Call to Action’ event to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and her father’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. This global event included then President Obama, former Presidents Clinton and Carter, and members of Congress, as well as many other international leaders, dignitaries and entertainers.
Tickets for the Sept. 15 event are $15 for non-member, $5 for Levine Museum general members and Free for Levine Museum Visionary Circle Members. Tickets may be purchased by visiting museumofthenewsouth.org/berniceaking.