MLK's daughter calls for revolution

Scene inside Ebenezer Baptist Church during MLK celebration

In a celebration commemorating the 89th birthday and 50th anniversary of MLK's death come April 4, his daughter, Bernice, stood at the podium in Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church. Her mission: to spawn a moral revolution based on her father's philosophy which was developed from his study of  Western and Eastern religions.

The Rev. Dr. Bernice King, a graduate of Spelman and Emory Universities and CEO of the King Center, pulled no punches and preached off script. "Our president does not represent the spirit of America," she said. King inaugurated a MLK 50 Forward Initiative, starting today until April 4, and asked her father's followers to perform 50 acts of kindness towards someone of another race.

"God's purpose has been revealed...you will reap if you fear not." King vowed that she and God's people must put an end to xenophobia, militarism, materialism, and racism.

She urged listeners to choose non-violence and condoned unity. "We have the same speeches each year...now we need a revolution of values." She said we must listen to those we don't agree with and come together to save humanity.

King said those who believe in her father's teachings must not hate others because hatred leads to bitterness. She shared that she used to hate all white people, especially all white men, but said she changed her mind when she was given a sincere hug one day by a white male interviewer.

Earlier, Rev. Wright Lee spoke about the failure of the "white" church. "We need another Letter From the Birmingham Jail." He said of the present political and religious climate, "Enough is enough. It's time to be different."

All speakers pretty much followed the same script that has been spoken since King's death. His daughter is convinced that collective voices will win in the end. Manifestation of God's love will save us, she said.