History is meant to be told. The month of February was officially designated as Black History Month by President Gerald Ford in 1976, the United States’ Bicentennial year. He felt those who had accomplishments should always be acknowledged. President Ford broadened the honors after Carter G. Woodson created the event and had the first dedication for “Negro History Week” in 1926 after he realized black history was not being represented in books that help shaped the American history.
In February 2020, I am honoring the late Rev. Dr. Alfred Daniel “A.D.” King, the brother of Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., Dr. Christine King-Farris and his widow, Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King for standing up and moving forward with the Civil Rights Movement for equality, freedom and justice for all.
His mysterious drowning death took place 15 months after his brother was assassinated. Evidence shows he was murdered but no one has been arrested. Rev. A.D. King was part of many marches; dedicated his life to many communities; became one of the main strategists of the Selma Demonstration; led passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; enacted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and achieved so much more. Rev. Dr. A.D. King’s legacy is kept alive by the hard work of his wife, Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King, Dr. Babs Onabanjo, the President/CEO of A.D. King Foundation, and the dedication of many others.
Renee Sudderth, Splash Magazine Photojournalist; Dr. Babs Onabanjo and Dr. Tirazah Huff – Photo Courtesy of A D King Foundation, Inc
The last weekend in February, they will travel to Alabama with two buses tracing the routes the Kings traveled so many times from Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama. Everyone is excited about this historical ride.
Throughout 2019, many events took place that were organized by this great foundation. Entrepreneurship Tutoring, Mentoring, Coaching, Advising, Parades, A Health Fair Summit, Partnership with Law Enforcement and Community Policing. However, the highlight in November 2019 was the celebration of the milestone, the 10th Annual A.D. King Foundation Youth Empowerment Fundraising Awards Gala Dinner with the leadership of Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King and Dr. Babs Onabanjo.
The elegant affair was entertaining, epic and outstanding.
The recipients who received awards have made a difference in our communities, state, nation and world. The A.D. King Foundation displayed and acknowledged the empowering youths through the many enrichment programs and activities that have taken place.
This special evening consisted of singing, dancing, tributes, dinner and presenting Dr. Christine King-Farris the “Living Legend, Lifetime Achievement & Matriarch of the King Family” Award. Everything was first class. Take a look
Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King was seen smiling and enjoying herself because she knows if it was not for her husband, this foundation would not exist. She enjoyed her special night and ended with a special dance because it was her 88th Birthday also. At one moment, I had to join her with others which was funny and exciting. What a great way to celebrate life and remembering her husband’s legacy with those who attended this special event and those who were with her in spirit.
Dr. Naomi Ruth King and President Dr. Babs Onabanjo cordially invite you to be a part of this legacy and never forget a true soldier of the civil rights movement was Rev. Dr. Alfred Daniel “A.D.” King. The next gala will be Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the Atlanta Metropolitan State College’s Conference Center.
Babs O. Onabanjo, Ph.D. President/CEO: A D King Foundation, Inc.
2505 Creel Rd; Atlanta, GA 30349 adkingfoundation, facebook
Donate ==>paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2234114
678-736-4933 cell: 770-873-9265 fax: | 770-474-2376
AD King 50th Memorial Service – A King Family Civil Rights Tradition
Splash Magazines
M.B. – March 4, 2020 – Via EMAIL – Your article was real nice. You really keep us informed about our history and allow us to know about other family members we may not know about. Good Job Renee.
DR. PATRICIA BENNETT – March 2, 2020 – Via EMAIL – I am old enough to remember the contributions of A.D. King to the civil rights movement. The “X” generation (ages 40 to 45) and the millennial (around 30 yrs of age) have no clue as to his identity. The world knew how Martin was killed; however, the actual causation of AD King’s death was highly questionable and remains unsolved to this day. A.D. marched on the front lines of the movement alongside of his wife Naomi, brother, Martin and Coretta.
He too was physically attacked and his home bombed. Yet his name is not a household mention like Martin. His body was found in a swimming pool, but how did it get there? A drowning without water in the lungs? Pathologically impossible. The world follows the media. Martin, Abernathy, Hosea, Lowery, Rosa and others were not alone in the fight.
The AD Foundation and the work of photojournalists like you will help to voice his legacy. What will happen when the baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1965) are gone? Who will remember AD besides his family? Our memories cannot be “selective.” We must never forget the “foot soldiers” because “the struggle continues.” Well done. Dr. Patricia Bennett
Awesome article! Credit well-deserved attributed to Rev A D King who sacrificed his life for the freedom of all Americans. His house in Birmingham was bombed, his office Church in Louisville was bombed, he lost an eye in Selma bloody Sunday, and he was murdered in his home in Atlanta. Dr. Naomi King, thank you for preserving the legacy of your iconic civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. A D Williams King.
DR. PATRICIA BENNETT – March 2, 2020 – Via EMAIL – OMG. Article was fabulous. I sent this to my friend, Mary. We discussed it last night.
BIVIAN PAGE – March 2, 2020 – Via EMAIL – Renee, this a great articles. You have done a outstanding job of capturing our history and the legacy of A.D. King. Beautiful pictures………. Renee Sudderth, You ROCK!! 😊 Have a great day.
TOMMIE HARRIS-NASH – Feb 29, 2020 – Via EMAIL – Thank you for sharing this with us.
CATHERINE FLOWER – Feb 29, 2020 – Via FACEBOOK – LOVE THIS!
RUBY J. MANUEL – Feb 29, 2020 – Via FACEBOOK – VICTORY
CONSTANT “CONNIE” BRYANT – Feb 29, 2020 – Via EMAIL – You are AWESOME Cousin RENEE!
And the absolute best Relevant Journalist In REAL-TIME EVER🏅🎖🥇🏆🏵🥈🥉Thank you for all the Great Stories that’s needed to be TOLD❤️
Good job Renee’! Thanks for putting together and publishing this article. Jeni