MLK Day Service at Ebenezer Baptist Highlights Legacy, Warns Against Anti-Woke Rhetoric
A powerful 70-member choir set a reverent tone at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Monday during one of the nation’s most prominent Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorations. But the spotlight soon turned to the Rev. Bernice King, youngest daughter of the civil rights icon, who issued a stern warning about the dangers of anti-woke rhetoric in modern America.
“We are living in a time when anti-woke rhetoric has become a weapon to divide us and distract us from the real issues of injustice,” King said from the pulpit of her father’s former congregation. “To be woke is to be aware of oppression and commitment to justice.”
The service unfolded in the historic church where Martin Luther King Jr. was baptized, ordained, and served as co-pastor alongside his father, the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., until his assassination in 1968. Now a cornerstone of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Ebenezer Baptist Church remains a beacon for civil rights activism.
A Message of Justice Amid Political Tensions
Monday’s service took on additional weight as it coincided with the inauguration of President Donald Trump, returning to the White House after defeating Joe Biden in the 2024 election. Trump’s inauguration, occurring on the federal holiday honoring King, added layers of tension for civil rights leaders who have long opposed Trump’s rhetoric and policies on race and social justice.
Keynote speaker Bishop William Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, addressed the moment directly, rejecting any notion of a political “mandate” to erode justice. “You never win a mandate to hurt people,” Barber declared, drawing applause from the audience.
Trump, however, acknowledged King’s legacy in his inaugural address, stating, “In his honor, we will strive together to make his dream a reality.”
Community Reflections
The MLK Day event drew attendees from across Atlanta and beyond, including longtime participants like Lonnie J. Edwards of Stone Mountain, Georgia. Edwards has attended the annual service for nearly two decades and finds solace in the continuity of King’s vision.
“It’s refreshing to see that the movement Dr. King led is still alive,” Edwards said. “It’s a reminder of the work that’s yet to be done.”
Students and volunteers also marked the holiday with acts of service. Liccy Arias, a recent Georgia State University graduate, participated in the university’s day of service. “Helping out makes my heart very, very full,” she said at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
King’s Enduring Legacy
As events unfolded at Ebenezer and beyond, reflections on King’s life and mission underscored the enduring relevance of his work. College student Michael Parker, attending a rally in South Carolina, captured the sentiment of the day.
“Progress hasn’t gone steady through the generations,” Parker said. “We need to keep working on Dr. King’s dream.”
King’s vision for justice, economic equality, and racial solidarity remains a guiding light for social justice movements. Events like Monday’s service at Ebenezer Baptist serve as a reminder of the unfinished work ahead, a call echoed by Bernice King’s closing words: “To honor my father is to commit to justice. Let’s keep going.”
Honoring King Nationwide
Across the country, cities and organizations marked MLK Day with marches, rallies, and acts of service. The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee—located at the site of King’s assassination—offered free admission and hosted special programming to explore King’s legacy and its relevance to today’s struggles for justice and equality.
More than five decades after his death, Martin Luther King Jr.’s message continues to resonate, challenging the nation to confront injustice and embrace the path of equity and unity.
