Dr. Bernice A. King was five years old when her father was assassinated in 1968.

More than 50 years later, she is the CEO of the King Center in Atlanta.  For the first time since the pandemic began two years ago, Dr. King participated in a one-on-one in person interview for a special program, “The Conversation with Dr. Bernice A. King.” 

During the revealing discussion with Erie News Now anchor Brissa Bradfield, Dr. King reflected on childhood memories of her father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior.  She recalled games they played together when she was young.   She talked about the challenges of growing up in the shadow of a national icon and strength provided by her mother. Coretta Scott King encouraged her to simply become the best version of herself.

She resisted the “call” to ministry for years, partly because she did not want to grow up in her father’s shadow.

“I did not like it,” Dr. King said.

However, when she graduated from law school, she also became a minister to make a difference.

Dr. King was asked what her father would think about what’s happening the world today.

“He wouldn’t be surprised, but he would be disappointed,” she said.

She reflected on the civil rights struggle and new methods the King Center uses to educate and inform. 

The full interview will air in a half-hour special on Martin Luther King Junior national holiday, Jan. 17. You can watch it on WICU at 7:30 p.m.

Erie News Now will also continue its tradition of producing a program to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, which will run immediately beforehand at 7 p.m.

In February, another special program will be presented from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in recognition of Black History Month.