Evangelist Alveda King: Remembering Our Fathers on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is Sunday, and I miss my Dad, Rev. A.D. King ,who taught me to love everyone. When my uncle, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, in error, I tried to blame white people. Daddy said, “No. we are all one race/one blood human beings. White people didn’t kill your uncle; the devil did.”

Daddy was such a great father and a great family leader. I only wish I had gotten to spend more time with him. But I rejoice in the faith that he is resting in peace with our heavenly Father.

Father’s Day also causes me to reflect on Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of Mary. When faced with a new spouse who was unexpectedly pregnant, unlike many fathers of today, Joseph embraced his new role of fatherhood and stepped up to the plate to take care of his family. He did not walk away from his responsibility, or worse, try to kill Jesus in Mary’s womb, unlike occurrences in our society today.

I’m blessed to know some other remarkable men who as role models are working to share the knowledge of what they have learned with other men around the country and the world.

One such person is Bishop Harry Jackson of The Hope Connection. He works helping men who have been in prison to reintegrate into the family and society. He understands the importance of the family and the role a father plays to give them a better chance in life. He has mounted a Father’s Day campaign to do just that. Please pray and fast with him beginning on June 17.

Kevin Burke is also working to improve the lives of fathers through the healing after abortion ministry, Rachel’s Vineyard, and the Silent No More’s The Shockwaves of Abortion campaign which focuses on a different group each month, with June being focused on healing fathers.

On the heels of Father’s Day, we celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday in the United States that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South. In celebration of Juneteenth, we’re continuing to cry out for justice for all Americans, born and unborn. Toward that goal, we ask you to join the movement by signing on to an open letter to Congressional members encouraging them to support The Prison Reform and Redemption Act (H.R. 3356).

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s remember the important role all fathers play in the family and pray that all fathers will take their responsibilities seriously and help make the world a better place for everyone.

For those who are like me and your fathers have passed away, be encouraged. Our Father God still cares. And let’s pray for all fathers everywhere from the White House, to the courthouse, to the battlefield, to the jailhouse, to God’s house.