In January, we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was not the only one in his family who fought for the rights of others. His only granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, was born in 2008. She is also an activist.
One of the issues she cares about is gun violence. Yolanda wants to help stop violence at places like malls and schools. She spoke at a big event called “March for Our Lives.” What was her message? She wants people to feel safe from gun violence wherever they are. Her grandfather once said, “I have a dream.” In her speech, Yolanda said, “I have a dream that enough is enough.”
August 2021 was the 58th anniversary of her grandfather’s “I have a dream” speech. Different groups organized a march on that same day. They wanted to be sure that all people have the same ability to vote. Although the Voting Rights Act became law in 1965, states have passed laws making it more difficult for some people to vote. Yolanda Renee King gave a speech about voting rights.
Later she said, “Every American deserves the right to cast a vote on important issues when they turn 18. My grandfather lost his life fighting to make sure that we had that opportunity. . . . It’s our turn to fight for our future and win our freedom.”
What Do You Think? Yolanda Renee King never met her grandfather. Why do you think she was so affected by his life and ideas?
Photo Credit: Ken Cedeno/UPI/Alamy Stock Photo
