NASHVILLE, TN — Scarritt Bennett Center marked its 100th year with a commemorative event featuring a transformative conversation with Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mrs. Coretta Scott-King. The event took place at Wightman Chapel, where Dr. King spoke 67 years prior.
On April 25, 1957, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a powerful address to the Conference on Christian Faith and Human Relations at Scarritt College, now known as Scarritt Bennett Center. Originally slated for Vanderbilt University, the conference was moved to Scarritt College due to Vanderbilt’s refusal to accommodate black attendees. Now, in 2024, Dr. Bernice A. King returned to the same sacred space carrying forward the torch of nonviolent social change.
Reflecting on her parents, Dr. King shared thoughtful insights. “She taught me how to handle emotionally challenging situations and not lose my head. My mother was always graceful under pressure,” she remarked.
Speaking of her father, she added, “His life was taken from him, and there was a lot of unfinished work. I feel called to that work. I feel especially called to help people understand how he was successful in doing the work.”
Scarritt Bennett Center collaborated with the Fisk-Belmont Social Justice Collaborative, supported by The Tennessee Tribune, The Women’s Center at TSU, The Nashville Gospel and Sacred Music Coalition, and Patrick Dailey. The conversation, titled “Transforming a Dream into Legacy,” was moderated by Reverend Sondrea L. Tolbert, Scarritt Bennett Center’s Executive Director.
The city of Nashville honored the event by presenting a proclamation, recognizing Dr. Bernice A. King’s advocacy and the enduring relevance of her parents’ legacy in shaping a more just and equitable society.