Tarnished Legacy

The life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.and Coretta Scott King are embedded in the very fabric of this country's make-up. His work and dedication toward the creation of a non-violent society where people of all races and backgrounds will never be forgotten. Even in this year's historic presidential election, presumptive Democratic nominee, Barack Obama, has drawn comparisons to Dr. King. A great orator, preacher, and leader, Dr. King's legacy continues to live on. In the words of his daughter, Rev. Bernice King, "In his short time on earth, Dr. King made an eternal impression." This statement is a challenge to us that in the time we have on Earth, we should look to make an eternal impression. But speaking of impressions...

I wonder what impression Dr. King would have of his children today if he were alive. On Monday, Dexter King filed a lawsuit contending his siblings had breached their fiduciary and personal duties to the King Center in Atlanta and their father’s estate, misused assets belonging to the center, and kept money that should’ve been channeled back into the center and the estate. The counter-suit came six weeks after Bernice and Martin sued Dexter, making similar claims that Dexter mishandled family money and failed to properly involve them in family business matters.

I have one brother and one sister and I love them dearly. I can not foresee any circumstance where I would take a blood relative to court or subject them to litigation of any kind. There are times that my brother, sister, and I fail to see eye to eye on things. When this happens, we go in the privacy of a room or building, yell, scream, and handle it amongst ourselves, not in public or in the media.

As an ordained Baptist minister, I accept the responsibility for playing the role of mediator or doing whatever it takes to reach an amicable solution. I would expect others to have that expectation of me as well. I am particularly disappointed with Rev. Bernice King. I am not sure of who is right and who is wrong in this case, but this is what I know for sure; apparently, her business dealings have given the impression to Dexter that there has been some money mismanagement for this situation to be escalated to this level among these siblings. Furthermore, as a minister of the Gospel, she should know that she will be held to a higher standard and it is my expectation that she should have done whatever was needed to avoid the ugly display that the world is witnessing between the children of this beloved family. It may not be fair to put this on Rev. King; however, this is the cross that we bear as ministers of the Gospel. She must realize this in all of her actions.

Branding is a marketing concept that focuses around a recognized name (Pepsi, Coca-Cola, ESPN, etc.). When your last name is "King", there is an expectation associated with that name. You know that in your bloodline, it is expected that you will do great things and make an eternal impression. Maybe Dexter, Bernice, and Martin have forgotten this. I am prayerful they will be reminded of who they are and the legacy they are charged with carrying. I don't think siblings arguing amongst themselves is what Dr. King had in mind. Prayerfully, this matter will be resolved soon. I could not live with being an accomplice in a tarnished legacy.