Bernice King: Father's Dream Not Yet Realized

"He would celebrate the number of African Americans and other minorities who've been able to break the barrier in terms of economics. But he would say when we look at the landscape of our nation there are still too many disparities when it comes to people of color," said Beice King.

For Beice King, her father's dreams of justice, racial harmony and non-violence have seen progress but are not yet fully realized.  She points specifically to the recent shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords as a sign that the nation still has a long way to go.

"In light of the recent incident in Tuscon, Arizona, it's time to create a more non-violent society and it must start with the next generation," said Beice King.

On this 25th anniversary of the holiday, Beice King says she especially wants young people to connect with her father's message.

"Lea as much as you can about our history, number one, it's important to know the legacy from which we came, to lea about history so we don't repeat some of the mistakes of the past," said Beice King. "Dr. King and those that lived during that time with that movement, made a choice to sacrifice for another generation. You could say perhaps they did it for themselves but many of them didn't know if they would live to see the fruit of their labors."

This year's services and commemorations also celebrate Beice King's mother, Coretta.

Beice King says she made the choice give her mother a prominent role to remember Coretta King's efforts to preserve her husband's legacy through her brainchild, The King Center for Non-Violent Change .

"She was right there by his side during the movement and as life moved on after him.  She said it best, 'I didn't just marry the man I loved, I married the cause.'  And she took it sincerely to heart," said Beice King.