MLK’s Niece Has ‘Mixed Emotions’ About Selma

An invitation to a pre-release screening of the movie Selma brought mixed emotions to my heart, and tears to my eyes. As I sat in the theater, I was transported back to the time when my Uncle MLK, my Daddy AD King and so many civil rights icons were embroiled in the historical crosshairs that brought equity to the voting rights of Blacks in America.

It was during that same season that Daddy’s and Mother’s church parsonage was bombed in Birmingham; and the little girls, one a classmate of mine were killed in the bombing of the church. It was also the season of my first civil rights march, a “Children’s March” where Daddy and James Orange and others taught me the tenants of nonviolent protests.

Even though I wasn’t on the team of consultants who worked with the producers, I’m glad the film is in the atmosphere. While Selma is historically informative and entertaining, having lived through those days, I would have appreciated more historical accuracy.

I know that everyone can’t be included in such projects, but on a personal note, I was saddened to find no mention of my Dad, who not only marched in Selma, but was also felled (and recovered) along with not only John Lewis, but with many others, including Hosea Williams and my dearly departed friend James Orange.

So many people have contacted me regarding the overtones regarding references to Uncle ML’s responses to the attacks on his personal life. I have only this to say: Like all of the Bible heroes, Uncle was a human being, an imperfect man who served a perfect God. He and Daddy are in heaven now, in the company with David, Moses, Paul, Rahab, The Woman at the Well, The Woman caught in the act… Uncle ML was a devoted prophet and Man of God. Need I say more?

Overall I enjoyed the film, and I recommend the film for viewing.

Alveda is author of King Rules, Founder of Alveda King Ministries, Director of African American Outreach forPriests for Life, and spiritual adviser for Restore the Dream 2015.