Big Shoes To Fill

I was impressed with the fact that Bernice King had the composure, to deliver her mothers eulogy. I was reminded of my own grandmothers funeral. We all had fond memories of her, that exceeded her public persona. For immediate family members, to be able to stand as a pillar of strength publicly is commendable. Especially during such a vulnerable, and sensitive time. It's more than most people can pull off. The gift of being able to hold an audience of thousands of people captive. Is not a skill, one can just past to someone else. That's what made Martin Luther King Jr. special. He had exceptional oratory skills. Having said that about her father. I wasn't overly impressed with the eulogy given by Ms. King, for her mother. I think there were several people who could've done a more memorable sermon. Coretta Scott King, was an icon in civil rights. Mainly because she was married to the recognized leader, of the Civil Rights movement. She was not a "in your face" type activist. As people at her funeral may have led you to believe. To use her homegoing as a political stage, was not indicative of her character. She had a poised, reserved demeanor about her. She was always a lady. I wish she had been given a homegoing service, worthy of her memory.

This was only the second time I heard Minister King speak. I think one thing she said, was noteworthy. But just like all the other good things, people said at the funeral. It got lost in the mire, of inappropriate statements. She said "Don't do with our mother. What you have made us do, with our father". Let us allow her to rest in peace. Some of those, are not her exact words. But that's what she meant. The public has held the King family responsible, for Martin's dream. If they truly want to move on with their lives. It appears some of the children do, some of them don't. If they do,that was a poor way to start. I think the funeral service was a direct contradiction. It was an awkward attempt to pass the torch, to another family member. Bernice King is highly educated, and well versed. That doesn't make her a rousing speaker though. I think she is more hype than substance. The few times I have heard her speak. I got the feeling, that she was a womens rights activist. If she wasn't Martin Luther King's daughter, would we even know about her ? People are looking for someone to follow. That's evident by some of our leaders. Leadership is not a quality passed down from a father, to his children. Unless they prepare themselves for service. They should be required to prove themselves worthy. Not just given unchecked authority and podition. I don't know Ms. King personally, but I do know this. The honor and trust we've bestowed on her father. Wasn't given to him without works. It came from being on the battlefield, building a reputation as a warrior. I'm sure Ms. King is a great teacher and inspiration, for those around her. That doesn't mean she can follow in her fathers footsteps. The prerequisite for being a leader, shouldn't be and isn't your last name.