Imagine the thrill of a Rocky training montage, but instead of punches and sweat, it’s two of the nation’s top college football teams battling for supremacy. The College Football finals just got way more exciting than anyone expected! Dr. Bernice King, a minister and lawyer, will be there with the players. Her presence brings an inspiring, real-life dimension to the evening, demonstrating that leadership and impact go beyond the confines of the game.

Dr. Bernice Albertine King truly embodies the phrase “taking the bull by the horns” in her journey. Born on March 28, 1963, as the youngest child of civil rights leaders, Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr., she faced tremendous challenges from an early age. Losing her father to assassination at the tender age of five profoundly influenced her path. As a teenager, she experienced an emotional breakdown while watching a documentary about her father, which ultimately led her to embrace ministry. From that point on, she dedicated herself to continuing her parents’ fight for justice, social change, and nonviolence. Now she is out there honoring Martin Luther King’s legacy.

Why is Dr. Bernice King present during the Notre Dame-OSU coin toss?

Well, now Dr. Bernice King currently serves as the CEO of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and she dedicates herself to promoting peace, justice, and equality. The role that she is going to play in the College Football Finals coin toss between Ohio State and Notre Dame carries greater significance than you can ever imagine. But why?

Well, it’s because it falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day. This moment truly exemplifies her unwavering commitment to her father’s legacy. By participating in this event, Dr. King further strengthens her mission to inspire future generations to continue advocating for justice through peaceful means.

However, that’s just a glance at her considerate nature, as throughout her life, Dr. Bernice King has consistently demonstrated the same activism that her parents embodied. At the age of 17, she delivered a powerful speech at the United Nations, marking the beginning of her own leadership journey. Twenty years later, she delivered her first sermon, deeply influenced by the values instilled in her by her family. Today, as a respected global thought leader, Dr. King tirelessly advocates for social change and equality.

Dr. Bernice King is keeping her parents’ dream alive. She works hard every day to make sure the world is a more just and peaceful place, just like her parents wanted.

What happened to Dr. Bernice King’s mom?

Well, walking in someone’s shoes is never an easy task, but Dr. Bernice King has done so with grace and purpose. As the youngest child of Coretta Scott King, she faced numerous personal and professional obstacles. After her mother’s stroke in 2005 and subsequent passing in 2006, Dr. King delivered a pivotal eulogy at her funeral, marking a defining moment in her life.

“My mom wasn’t just a prop,” Dr. Bernice King shared on social media. “She was a peace activist even before she met my dad and played a huge role in his fight against the Vietnam War.” Bernice has always been a fierce defender of her parents’ legacy. She’s proud of her mother’s roots, reminding everyone that her mom was a ‘Scott’ from Alabama who worked hard to achieve her goals long before she became a ‘King.’

Even though she faced some family disagreements, especially about the future of the King Center, Bernice never gave up. She strongly supported Barack Obama’s campaign in 2008 because she believed it aligned with her mother’s vision for a more just world. While her views have changed over time, she’s always been a strong voice for equality.

Not just that, in her leadership roles, Dr. King holds the position of CEO at The King Center, where she promotes Nonviolence 365 and advocates for its integration into various sectors, including education, government, and business. Additionally, as the CEO of First Kingdom Management, she continues to drive positive change through her Christian consulting firm. That’s the kind of legacy he built for herself!