Gary, IN — June 2025 — Dr. Bernice A. King, global thought leader, attorney, and daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, will be honored with the Key to the City of Gary, Indiana in recognition of her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the enduring legacy of nonviolent social change.

The honor will be presented by Gary Mayor Eddie Melton in a special ceremony that highlights the city’s renewed focus on civil rights, social innovation, and youth empowerment. Dr. King’s lifelong advocacy for racial healing, economic justice, and peacebuilding has inspired generations across the globe — values that resonate deeply with the people of Gary.

“This moment is not just about legacy,” said Mayor Melton. “It’s about continuing a movement. Dr. Bernice King stands on the shoulders of giants and yet moves with a vision all her own — bold, compassionate, and timely. We are honored to welcome her to Gary and celebrate her work toward building the ‘Beloved Community’ her father dreamed of and she now advances.”

Dr. King currently serves as CEO of The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia — a living memorial dedicated to preserving and promoting the nonviolent principles and philosophies of her father. Under her leadership, the Center has become a dynamic global hub for education, training, and advocacy in nonviolence and social change.

Receiving the Key to the City holds special meaning for Dr. King, who has often spoken about the importance of local leadership and grassroots engagement in shaping a more just and equitable world. The honor in Gary serves as both a tribute to her influence and a call to action for communities to continue the work of justice in tangible ways.

“It is a profound privilege to be recognized by the people of Gary,” said Dr. King. “As we face challenges in our democracy and divisions across our society, it is more important than ever to come together and recommit ourselves to the values of love, truth, and justice.”

The event will also include community conversations, youth forums, and interfaith reflections — all designed to foster unity and deepen the city’s investment in Dr. King’s vision for the future.

For more information and updates, visit BerniceKing.com and follow @BerniceKing on social media.