Ebenezer Baptist Church commemorated MLK Day with messages of justice, unity, and a warning against anti-woke rhetoric.

By EEW Magazine News Editors

ATLANTA (AP) — A 70-member choir filled Ebenezer Baptist Church with the powerful sound of “Hallelujah” on Monday, marking the start of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day service at the Atlanta congregation where King once preached. The service included a pointed message from his youngest daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, addressing the dangers of anti-woke rhetoric.

“We are living in a time when anti-woke rhetoric has become a weapon to divide us and distract us from the real issues of injustice,” Rev. King said. “To be woke is to be aware of oppression and committed to justice.” The crowd rose to their feet as she declared, “We will not go back!”

The keynote address, delivered by Bishop William Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, underscored the day’s themes of justice and truth. Barber addressed political dynamics, referencing claims of electoral mandates: “I don’t care who you are, if you win 60% of the vote, you never win a mandate to violate justice,” Barber said. “You never win a mandate to hurt people.”

He urged the congregation to confront poverty, hunger, and social injustice with urgency. “The right time to tell the truth is always right now, and telling the truth is the most radical and prophetic moral action you can take in a season of lies,” Barber said.

Ebenezer Baptist Church holds profound significance in Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. It is where he was baptized as a child, ordained at age 19, and later served as co-pastor alongside his father, Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. King continued to lead at Ebenezer until his assassination in 1968, and his funeral was held there. The church is now a cornerstone of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

For only the third time in the 40 years since the federal King holiday was established, the celebration coincided with a presidential inauguration. On Monday, Donald Trump returned to the White House after taking the oath of office. In his address, he acknowledged the holiday:

“In his honor, we will strive together to make his dream a reality,” Trump said. “We will make his dream come true.”

However, civil rights leaders expressed mixed feelings about the juxtaposition, given Trump’s controversial stances on race and civil rights.

Beyond Atlanta, other commemorations reflected King’s call for justice. In Columbia, South Carolina, the annual MLK Day rally at the Statehouse marked its 25th year. Michael Parker, a college student attending the rally, reflected on King’s lasting impact: “There’s still work to be done,” he said. “Progress hasn’t gone steady through the generations. We need to keep working on Dr. King’s dream.”

In Memphis, Tennessee, where King was assassinated in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum offered free admission and hosted events exploring his leadership and relevance to today’s social justice movements.

Meanwhile, unusually cold weather disrupted planned celebrations in New Orleans. Below-freezing temperatures and a winter storm warning prompted officials to cancel events honoring King.

At Ebenezer, seven individuals stood at the front of the stage holding signs reading “JUSTICE,” “FREEDOM,” and “DEMOCRACY,” underscoring the themes of the day.

King’s daughter concluded the service with a passionate call to remain vigilant: “We must not let distractions deter us from addressing the real issues of injustice,” she said.

The service in Atlanta stood as one of the most prominent tributes to King nationwide, highlighting the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the enduring need for unity and justice.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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