Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King were both champions of the Civil Rights movement in ways that had an impact on people from all walks of life. The daughter of the late global legacy leaders, Bernice King, is dedicated to carrying on that commitment. In a recent Facebook post, the CEO of the King Center shared some very valuable advice as we try to navigate forward in the “45” presidential era.

Some Wise Advice Circulating:
1. Don’t use his name; EVER (45 will do)
2. Remember this is a regime and he’s not acting alone;
3. Do not argue with those who support him–it doesn’t work;
4. Focus on his policies, not his orange-ness and mental state;
5. Keep your message positive; they want the country to be angry and fearful because this is the soil from which their darkest policies will grow;
6. No more helpless/hopeless talk;
7. Support artists and the arts;
8. Be careful not to spread fake news. Check it;
9. Take care of yourselves; and
10. Resist!

Keep demonstrations peaceful. In the words of John Lennon, “When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight! Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor.”

When you post or talk about him, don’t assign his actions to him, assign them to “The Republican Administration,” or “The Republicans.” This will have several effects: the Republican legislators will either have to take responsibility for their association with him or stand up for what some of them don’t like; he will not get the focus of attention he craves; Republican representatives will become very concerned about their re-elections.
(Copy to paste to your Timeline – wider than sharing)

Bernice King prompts others to copy and paste it to their respective timelines to spread the word. During such chaotic times, it’s great to feel the spirit of those who have worked so hard leading us towards solution. A great reminder that while the fight may not be easy, it is worth it.

Thanks, Bernice.


Melissa Kimble is the Senior Social Media Manager for the EBONY brand. An advocate for Black Creatives via #blkcreatives, you can connect with her on Twitter at @Melissa_Kimble.