Compiled by Andrea Blackstone
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a minister and spokesperson for nonviolent activism throughout the Civil Rights Movement advocated to end racial segregation. The pioneer of nonviolence is often remembered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day or MLK Day, the third Monday of January, while tribute is paid to his contributions and volunteer service is highlighted.
The Atlanta, Georgia-based King Center announced their 2025 strategic theme— ‘Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.′ It defines the 2025 King Holiday Observance events and programming and serves as a compass for The King Center’s upcoming calendar year work and beyond.
Four individuals who hail from diverse U.S. locations shared their perspectives about Dr. King, his legacy, their personal work and this year’s comprehensive theme.
Photo credit: Bruce Smallwood
Name/ Title: Tiffany Gill, Founder of Black Girls Unscripted
Location: Baltimore
Reflections about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and this year’s theme:
It’s no secret that Black women have a long history of creating our own spaces where we can freely show up as our whole and authentic selves. As an intergenerational organization centering the history, narratives, and contributions of Black women, Black Girls Unscripted continues this tradition by holding space for us to openly discuss the truth about our lives and honor those truths with action as we continue the fight for education, racial justice, health equity, and empowerment.
On January 20, 2025, as we join others around the globe in celebration of the exemplary life and teachings of Dr. King — and at a time when Black books continue to be banned, efforts to rewrite history abound, and our freedom and democracy are under threat — Black Girls Unscripted remains committed to working together in unity and through non-violent resistance in the face of challenge. Dr. King’s work is proof that nonviolence counters injustice and that our voices are powerful and essential tools for achieving equality. We are grateful for the blueprint Dr. King left behind, and for the legacy of his work through The King Center, as we continue our mission to transform our communities, and by extension, greater society.
Photo credit: Jaiden Brown
Name: Makenzee Adams
Age/ Grade: 11th Grade (16 years old)
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Leadership activities you have been known for: Local musician, throwing community events/parties that benefit the youth and those in need.
Q: Why is nonviolence in today’s society important?
A: Nonviolence is especially important because of how many people do choose violence. In certain cases, violence doesn’t solve the problem but pushes it further. On a smaller scale, nonviolence is just a way to be a little kinder to people.
Q: How do you feel about Dr. King’s work?
A: Dr. King is one of the most famous civil rights activists and for good reason. His work as an advocate for equality, and as a public speaker in general, is so inspiring as someone who, at times, can feel like their voice doesn’t matter.
Q: How do you live or help in your community while protecting freedom, justice, and democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365?
A: I, personally, try my best to inform and unify people in my community. In the past, I did an interview series where I talked to local politicians from various parties about the upcoming elections with the goal of educating my community on their candidates.
Photo Credit: Joy Rahat
Name: Nicole Nixon
Location: Northern Virginia
Reflections about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
As an Eastern Shore native and the CEO of Listing Central LLC (LC), a data technology company, I am deeply committed to the principles of nonviolence and justice. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I believe that his mission for civil rights is a torch we must carry forward daily. His words – “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” – resonates deeply with our mission, my mission as a leader.
For me, nonviolence isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a call to action. Our company is dedicated to empowering underserved communities through access to technology education, innovation, and artificial intelligence—resources that are often out of reach. We prioritize protecting the most vulnerable, including seniors, domestic violence survivors, and children, ensuring their safety and privacy in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Supporting The King Center’s Nonviolence365 initiative is an extension of our commitment to justice, freedom, and equity for all. Dr. King began this work, but it’s up to us to see it through. At LC, we are proud to embody his vision by using technology and innovation as tools to build a more just and equitable society.
Photo credit: J. Renee Creations
Name: Dr. Edmund H. Moore
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Community-related and volunteerism activities: Co-chair of a 501-3-C NPO, Parity Inc. (parityinc.info) whose mission is to serve and advocate for social, civic and economic equity within the African American community; chair Dayton Region New Market Tax Credit Committee; Omega Baptist Church adult Sunday school teacher; board member of the Phoenix Next Board; member of The Dayton Foundation finance committee; mentor of young people and adults.
My understanding of this year’s theme: Dr. King’s ministry and purpose was ultimately about
loving his fellow man just as he loved himself. That came from his loving God with all his mind,
soul and strength. He could not profess to love a God that he could not see if he could not love
his fellow brother or sister that he could see. This is the anchor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
ministry. He also had to believe that his love for his brother was possible and that
manifested into him pursuing a spirit of nonviolence, that he adopted from Ghandi, to strive for
justice and freedom that undergirds our democracy. Our idea of a great democracy is only
sustained through the creation of a “beloved community” where love drives out violence and
injustice in the world. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere.”
Q: How do you feel about Dr. King’s work?
A: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pursued an idealistic
agenda that was undergird by the African American church, other religious organizations, many
civic, fraternal, and social organizations. It was rooted in nonviolence and love. His hope was
that his fellow brothers and sisters would alter their hearts based on his movement’s nonviolent
actions that demonstrated love. For his work to succeed, the hearts of many must be altered to
love their fellow brothers and sisters worldwide. His work is not finished, but it must be picked
up by others to pursue the fulfillment of his mission. I can only do my part by collaborating with
the community to build up our fellow citizens in the areas of education, health, economic
development, public policy and community development. These impacts and improvements are only
achievable by community collaborations. Let the journey of love continue.