Nov. 17, 1955 - May 15, 2007
She was the eldest child of Dr. Martin Luther King, of whom she told the New York Daily News in 1996: "My father was bigger than life, an entity and everyone expected us, as his offspring, to be saintettes, these little carbon copies. They're pleasantly surprised that I'm just really down-to-earth, open." She was born two weeks before Rosa Parks, in a quiet act of courage, refused to stand so a white man could sit on a bus.
Yolanda's life was shaped by her father's legacy. She lived the Civil Rights movement, and she carried on as a motivational speaker and actor. In a statement, the King family called her an "advocate for peace and nonviolence, who was known and loved for her motivational and inspirational contributions to society."
So this week, we see the deaths of someone who thrived on teaching hate, ignorance, and intolerance with Jerry Falwell; and someone who taught, and lived, a life of peace and tolerance and love with Yolanda King. Here is a woman who lived with dignity and grace; it shows in her face. It shows in her actions. Let her be my example, let her be my teacher.
10 comments:
Let me try that again... shall we? Grr... damn sleep deprivation...
Awesome "compare and contrast" there, Diva. I guess you couldn't find more opposite folks than Fartwell and Yolanda King.
And how nice for Yolanda that the place she's going to won't be filled with hateful bigots.
Beautiful commentary, Diva. The balance (imbalance?) remains...
A beautiful post about a beautiful woman. Look at that radiant, peaceful smile!
here! here!
and yes- the discovery channel THIS sunday 9pm (est)
Yes, what a contrast. Just look at their respective photos. Yolanda radiates with kindness and love. Jerry - whose head and multiple chins are about to explode - gives the impression of an evil man.
I haven't been watching the news, so I missed this completely. Yes, what a contrast between her and Falwell. She will be missed.
One's death brings us relief (altho his sons are taking up his mantle) and we wish we could call the other one back to us. We are in such need of her beautiful voice.
Beautiful post, my dear. She was my age, you know. Makes one look at life a bit differently when a contemporary passes.
Tina, the joys of having an infant... But he'll sleep through the night soon enough.
Thorne, thank you. When I was in Jr. High, I heard Dr. Martin Luther King speak - he was powerful as he spoke about peace and dignity. Yolanda really took up that mantle.
Peacechick, yes, that photo really shows her internal peace.
Betmo, I can't wait to see this show on Bhutan! Maybe my guide will be on it.
Agi, yes, it was an amazing contrast in images between Yolanda King and Jerry Falwell. Really, what is in our heart shows on our faces.
Robin Andrea, you were busy with your sis and mom! Really!
Mirth, yes, his sons were fed nothing but hate, so that's what they will teach.
TFLS, yes, it does. Especially if our own health is not in the best of shape.
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