MLK Day service honors King's last legacy, calls for nonviolence when protesting

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ATLANTA - Monday was a federal holiday where we remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Taking place in Atlanta will be the annual MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service, the culmination of a series of community outreach events honoring the civil rights leader.

FOX 5 Atlanta was proud to partner with The King Center once again to broadcast and livestream this event.

Remembering MLK in Atlanta

What we know:

The event began at 10 a.m. EST on Monday. It took place at Atlanta's Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, a historic church which grew under the leadership of King's grandfather, and where his father was a pastor as well.

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Dignitaries and well know leaders gathered at the church to honor King and hear from speakers of all ages and races. Rev. A. R. Bernard, Sr., founder and chairperson of the Christian Cultural Center Global, was the keynote speaker. But throughout the entire event, one theme was constant: a call for peace and nonviolence when speaking out against what people disagree with.

MLK Day Service speakers

Dig deeper:

Below is a list of speakers and what they said:

MLK Day Service opens with faith leaders

The annual MLK Day Service will began with opening remarks and a formal welcome from prominent faith leaders. Rev. Reginald Sharpe Jr. and Rev. Natosha Reid Rice are set to address attendees as the service gets underway, helping set the tone for a day honoring the life, legacy, and continued impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. Sean B. Smith of New Horizon Baptist Church leads the invocation, calling for reflection, unity, and continued commitment to justice and equality.

• Rev. Reginald Shape Jr. and Rev. Natosha Reid Rice gave the opening remarks and welcome. In it, they issued a "call for community," reminding people of King's call for nonviolence.
• Rev. Sean B. Smith, of New Horizon Baptist Church, led the invocation. Smith's prayer focused on injustice and respect for all. He specifically mentioned immigrants and the unhoused population.

Interfaith readings highlight MLK Day Service

The MLK Day Service continues with a powerful interfaith moment introduced by Rev. Natosha Reid Rice, bringing together voices from multiple faith traditions. Cantor Nancy Kassel of Temple Beth Tikvah will offer a reading from the Old Testament. Jennifer Arnold, Assistant Director of Admissions at Emory University, will read from the New Testament. Imam Shane Atkinson, Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life at Elon University, will read from the Quran, reflecting the spirit of unity, inclusion, and shared humanity at the heart of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

• Cantor Nancy Kassel, of Temple Beth Tikvah, read from the Old Testament. Her scripture was Leviticus chapter 19, verse 18, which focuses on loving your neighbor as yourself.
• Jennifer Arnold, Assistant Director of Admissions at Emory University, read from the New Testament. She read from 2 Corinthians 1, verses one through eleven. The verse focuses on kindness.
• Imam Shane Atkinson, Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life at Elon University, read from the Quaran. He read the final prayer from Muhammad.

Rev. Dr. Bernice King leads MLK Day commemoration

At this year’s MLK Day Service, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, Dr. King’s youngest daughter, led the call to commemoration. Her remarks honored her father’s legacy of equality, justice, and community, setting the tone for a day of reflection, inspiration, and unity in Atlanta. The service highlighted the ongoing work of civil rights and the enduring impact of Dr. King’s vision for the nation.

• King's youngest daughter, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, gave the call to commemoration. She said that the U.S. is living in a "moral crisis." She said the crisis puts humanity at stake. She mentioned the "erosion of democracy" and the "loss of humanity." She issued a call for humanity and said that it "cannot wait." King said that the answer is nonviolence. She looked back at her father's legacy and said that the Civil Rights Act was meant to heal a nation. She said that "justice strengthens us all." She ended her speech by saying there are tough days ahead for the country.

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MLK Day service features Georgia leaders

At the 2026 MLK Day Service, Rev. Reginald Sharpe Jr. introduced key speakers, including Governor Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and Senator Raphael G. Warnock, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Each leader shared remarks honoring Dr. King’s legacy and emphasizing community, service, and equality as Atlanta and Georgia reflect on civil rights and the continuing fight for justice.

• Leaders from across Georgia addressed King's legacy.

Cupp, Maxwell & Perez-Jordan on unity and dialogue

We heard from Sarah Elizabeth “S.E.” Cupp, soprano with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Dr. John C. Maxwell, founder of the John Maxwell Company, and Carmen Perez-Jordan, Bridge Builder organizer and cultural strategist. The speakers emphasized the importance of intergenerational conversations, overcoming hardship, and fostering dialogue across differences. They highlighted using voice, leadership, and cultural understanding to unite communities and encourage meaningful connection in today’s divided climate.

• S.E. Cupp from CNN, John C. Maxwell of The John Maxwell Company, and cultural strategist Carmen Perez-Jordan offered tributes to King and his lasting legacy.

7th grader reads tribute to Coretta Scott King

Siara White, a 7th-grade student from Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy, delivered a special tribute honoring Coretta Scott King. Her reading celebrates the legacy of the civil rights leader and highlights the importance of youth voices in preserving history, inspiring leadership, and continuing the work of equality and justice in the community.

• Siara White, a 7th grade student from Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy, offered a tribute to Coretta Scott King where she discussed her outspoken leadership. White used the speech as a call to action for others to help "make a difference" in the world and stay nonviolent.

Rev. A.R. Bernard Sr. keynote at MLK service

Rev. A.R. Bernard, Sr., founder and chairperson of the Christian Cultural Center Global, served as the keynote speaker. His address focused on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing community service, social justice, and the role of faith in driving positive change. Attendees heard a message of inspiration, hope, and empowerment for all generations.

• Rev. A. R. Bernard will give the keynote speech. His address focused on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing community service, social justice, and the role of faith in driving positive change. Attendees heard a message of inspiration, hope, and empowerment for all generations.
• Eugune Cho, President and CEO of Bread for the World, read the benediction.