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USA News

Bernice King calls out Rev Lorenzo Sewell's use of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in inaugural prayer

by Lydia Davies

The youngest daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., has criticised Rev Lorenzo Sewell and others for misusing her father’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Sewell, who delivered the inaugural prayer for President Donald Trump, referenced the speech during the event, which coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

In a video shared on X, Bernice King highlighted moments from Sewell’s prayer and expressed frustration over what she sees as the dilution of her father’s message.

“I don’t deny the power of my father’s most well-known speech, ‘I Have a Dream,’” King wrote.

“However, its power and popularity (with focus on its conclusion) have been misused to weaken its clear messaging about ending racism, stopping police brutality, ensuring voting rights, and eradicating economic injustice.”

King directly addressed Sewell, questioning why the pastor didn’t include these crucial aspects of the dream in his prayer at Trump’s inauguration.

Sewell’s prayer included phrases from the speech, such as his gratitude to God for Trump’s leadership, saying that "America would begin to dream again.”

He also echoed King’s line about judging people by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.

President Trump also invoked Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy during his inaugural address, emphasising a vision of racial “colorblindness” and promoting a merit-based society.

Bernice King has consistently rejected interpretations of her father’s speeches that promote colorblindness or oppose affirmative action and DEI efforts.

“People using ‘not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character’ to deter discussion of, teaching about, and protest against racism are not students of the comprehensive #MLK,” she wrote.

She urged those quoting her father to also study his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” which she said is harder to distort.

“Don’t pray the Dream in pursuit of false peace, which cries for unity while decrying inclusive and equitable policies and practices,” she continued.

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