Helen Edison Lecture Series with Dr. Bernice A. King

Dr. Bernice A. King is a global thought leader, strategist, solutionist, orator, peace advocate, and CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center), which was founded by her mother as the official living memorial to the life, work, and legacy of her father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Through her work at The King Center, she educates youth and adults around the world about the nonviolent principles and strategies modeled by her parents. Under her leadership, the Center has implemented numerous initiatives reaching over 500,000 people around the world.

Dr. King received both a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree from Emory University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Spelman College. From 1990 -1992 she served as a law clerk for Judge Glenda Hatchett, the Chief Judge of The Fulton County Juvenile Detention Court. She served for seven years as an Assistant Pastor of Greater Rising Star Baptist Church in Atlanta where she organized and developed several new ministries. In 2007, she established the Be A King Scholarship in honor of her mother at Spelman College. Dr. King spearheaded the 2013 “Let Freedom Ring” event commemorating the 50th Anniversary of The March on Washington and her father’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The global event included President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, and President Jimmy Carter, members of Congress, as well as many other international leaders, dignitaries, and entertainers.

Dr. King has received numerous awards and recognitions. She is the recipient of two Phoenix Awards. She received her first in 2020 from The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, where The Phoenix Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society and is their highest award. The second Phoenix Award was received in 2023 from the City of Atlanta. It recognizes outstanding achievements and service to the city, state, nation, and world, and is the highest award an individual or group can receive from the Mayor of the City of Atlanta. In addition to these awards, in 2021, she received the Atlanta Business Chronicle Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Dr. King is an innovative, inspirational, and transformational leader. She is devoted to advancing the legacy of her parents, and to ensuring that new generations of influencers are introduced to their teachings, The King Center, as well as the work of creating the Beloved Community, with Nonviolence365 as the pathway.

We invite you to join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation.

A Time for Change Now

Friday, May 17
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

The Jeannie - UC San Diego

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Public transportation is encouraged.

By speaker request, Dr. King will only sign items that were purchased on site on the day of event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Jeannie Hall, 9615 Scholars Drive North, San Diego, United States