Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, prominent advocates for social justice and equality, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with the Los Angeles Sentinel to discuss their forthcoming book, “What Is My Legacy?: Realizing a New Dream of Connection, Love and Fulfillment.”
The book, coauthored with Marc Kielburger and Craig Kielburger, will be released on January 14, 2025, via Amazon. This deeply personal work serves as both a call to action and a guide for individuals seeking to create meaningful legacies rooted in connection and service.
Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, epigenetics, and their lived experiences, the Kings offer a new framework called Living Legacy, encouraging people to actively shape their legacies through everyday actions. With contributions from figures like the Dalai Lama, Julia Roberts, and Rev. Al Sharpton, the book addresses humanity’s disconnection and offers practical steps toward fulfilling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of a Beloved Community.
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L.A. Sentinel: This book is about personal power and creating a new legacy. How do you introduce this idea to families who may have suffered under oppressive systems?
Martin Luther King III: That’s part of the goal of Living Legacy. When people think about legacy, they often focus on material wealth left to future generations. But we’re reframing legacy to mean how we live every day. What do we consistently build? What do we create those uplifts others? The book includes a workbook with action steps to help readers identify and implement their legacies.
Arndrea Waters King: We also address inherited traumas and show how they can be transformed into strengths. This is particularly relevant in the Black community, where trauma can pass through generations. We share personal stories and provide tools to turn these stories into sources of empowerment and connection. For instance, I keep a journal where I record daily wins, glories, and gratitude—a practice that grounds me in positivity and purpose.
LAS: For millennials and younger generations, many feel disillusioned by systemic failures. How does this book engage with them?
AWK: It’s about connection. Younger generations face anxiety and disconnection at unprecedented levels. Service is one way to combat that—not only does it help others, but it also nourishes the soul. Studies show that kids engaged in service have better mental health. Our 100 Million Hours of Service initiative, tied to Dr. King’s 100th birthday in 2029, aims to ignite a youth movement rooted in service. Every small act contributes to building the world we want.
MLK III: My father’s dream was never just about speeches; it’s a daily choice to work toward justice, equality, and love. That’s what we’re asking people to do—engage in small, consistent actions that create a ripple effect of positive change.
In “What Is My Legacy?,” the Kings explore the critical role of connection in addressing societal disconnection and division. They challenge readers to rethink their daily actions as opportunities to build community. Through their Realize the Dream campaign, they envision a youth-driven movement completing 100 million hours of service by 2029, a testament to Dr. King’s belief that “all of us can be great because all of us can serve.”
The book also examines the interplay between inner and outer purpose, urging individuals to align their values and actions. “Living Legacy” breaks legacy into two types: collective and familial, emphasizing that even small contributions have profound impacts.
When asked about reparations, Martin Luther King III emphasized a multi-faceted approach:
“Reparations can’t be one-size-fits-all. It could mean access to education, direct payments, or systemic reforms. While California has made strides, the national conversation faces significant political hurdles. We can’t abandon the fight—justice delayed is still justice denied.”
Mrs. King highlighted how systemic rollbacks have stripped younger generations of rights, comparing it to the regression seen during Reconstruction: “Our daughter and her peers have fewer rights today than when they were born. This rollback is a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality.”
The Kings also shared insights on building community in a fragmented world. For Angelenos who may feel isolated, Arndrea emphasized intentionality: “Find what ignites your passion—whether it’s faith, animals, or local causes. Digital platforms can connect like-minded people, but true connection often comes from serving others. Service not only helps the community but also improves mental health and fosters personal growth.”
Martin added, “We’re not saying everyone has to do grand gestures. Sometimes, building community means small acts—babysitting for a neighbor or sharing clothes. These acts create bonds that strengthen the fabric of society.”
As they prepare for the book’s release, the Kings hope to inspire a renewed commitment to Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community. They acknowledge the challenges but remain optimistic:
“We’re more divided than ever,” Martin observed. “But division can be overcome through connection. The solutions lie in our daily actions and our willingness to see ourselves in each other.”
“Each generation must earn its freedom. By reactivating our power and committing to justice, we can fulfill the dream of a world where everyone thrives,” Arndrea concluded.
“What Is My Legacy?: Realizing a New Dream of Connection, Love and Fulfillment” offers readers an actionable roadmap to living out their legacy, proving that small acts can create lasting change.
