Martin Luther King, III Comments on His Family's Historic DNA Reveal

I know that everyone who has had DNA testing done in order to learn more about their family origins shares in the joy with the descendants of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Listen to comments from Dr. King's son Martin, III, about his reactions to his family's DNA revelations.

Thank You Dr. King For Changing My Family History

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

Today, the nation celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King (1929-1968), a man most remembered for his work in fighting for equal rights of African Americans, who were called Negro or colored during his lifetime.

Just one generation ago, during the early years of the lives of my parents, my family lived in a segregated society and had to endure things such as sitting in the back of the bus on public transportation, drinking from public water fountains marked for “colored only,” or going through the back door in a restaurant and not being able to sit inside to eat their meal. Schools for my parents and grandparent's generations were segregated and had out of date books and materials and second class school facilities.

But thanks to the work of people like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and countless other unsung heroes, these things are no longer part of my family history. Today, on the 81st birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I reflect on his sacrifices and thank him for his leadership in the fight for Civil Rights so that my generation and others that follow are able to have a life of freedom and equality, thereby changing the course of our family histories.

Learn more about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by visiting the website of The King Center. Also read other tributes to Dr. King from other genealogy bloggers, Remembering Dr. King.

Originally posted January 18, 2010

Happy 46th Birthday to Me!

It seems like just yesterday that I celebrated my 40th birthday. But that was six years ago in 2003 and I gave myself a 40th birthday party. My how, time flies (smile). So, today I turned 46. Wow!

I have not done anything yet to celebrate. Much of my day on Saturday was spent at a festival where I also did a presentation. This morning, I attended a work related ceremony. The rest of this birthday will probably be spent resting and the celebrations will come later. One upcoming celebration will be with my high school friend Bryn, who will celebrate her birthday on September 30th. We have been celebrating our birthdays together since we turned 40.

This morning, when I got up, I said "Happy Birthday" to myself. Then I began thinking about my favorite version of the "Happy Birthday Song," which is the one by Stevie Wonder. His version of "Happy Birthday to You," was written during the 1980s in dedication to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since that time, Stevie Wonder's hand-clapping, foot-tapping version of the song has been sang at countless African-American birthday celebrations. And so to the rhythm of Stevie Wonder's song, today I sing "Happy Birthday to Me."

You can hear the song in the video below which contains a few personal photos as well as photos of various cakes, balloons, and birthday party items. Although I probably won't do much to celebrate today, I have purchased cake and ice cream to eat with dinner.

I also wish other September 27th birthday babies a Happy Day--my cousin Janet and friend Angelique, and the many others born on this date.

Memory Monday: Evening News With Walter Cronkite, 1916-2009

During my childhood, I recall watching the evening news on my family’s black and white television during the 1970s. American news icon, Walter Cronkite, (1916-2009) was a newscaster on the CBS Evening News.

On April 4, 1968, Walter Cronkite reported at the end of the "CBS Evening News" that Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King had been assassinated. He gave a detailed report about the shooting and the nation's reaction to the tragedy. I was about four and a half when Dr, King was killed. I recalling seeing images of his assassination on our black and white television, but I am not sure if it was during the time that it occurred, or in later years of my childhood.

Walter Cronkite had a memorable deep bass voice and I do not remember any other newscasters with a voice like his. He is remembered as the “most trusted man in America.” Thanks to the power of YouTube videos, we can hear Walter Cronkite’s voce again as he delivers the news to America about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.

I Have a Dream

Forty-five years ago today, the famous “I Have a Dream” speech was given on the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, this speech is still as powerful as it was 45 years ago.

I Have a Dream

In memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

I dedicate today’s blog in the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thank you, Dr. King, for the sacrifices you made that I might have a life of freedom and justice.

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I See the Promised Land
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last speech
Prophetic words from Martin Luther King, the day before he was assassinated, April 3, 1968.

Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.