Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is alive and well as his only grandchild has picked up the torch to continue bringing about change. Yolanda Renee King sat down with Nate Burleson and his co-hosts from CBS Mornings to talk just how she is continuing her family’s legacy and about her new children’s book, “We Dream a World”.
King is no stranger to advocacy and fighting for bringing about societal change in this new millennia. In her interview, the 15-year-old stated that it was her grandparents, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, that gave not only her, but us all, the road map to undertake this ongoing journey. Through their dream of making the world a better place for all, we know exactly what to do.
“My grandparents helped us to identify the dream and they shared the dream with us,” King said in her interview, “and that serves as a blueprint in the eradication of poverty, violence, discrimination, and racism.”
In addition to all that King currently has on her plate, the young activist can now also add first-time author. King’s book, “We Dream a World,” is a collaboration with education giant, Scholastic Books and illustrator, Nicole Tadgell. Curious as to what awaits readers of all ages? Well, per Scholastic Books’ official website, below is a brief synopsis of this new addition to their shop.
In this stirring tribute to Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr., their granddaughter, Yolanda – a national civil rights figure in her own right – is ready to lead in this powerful picture book text! With inspiration from Langston Hughes and deep love for her grandparents, Yolanda King shows the world that young people are strong enough to carry on their elders’ legacy while creating a new path for themselves. Her words are meaningful and universal, painting an expressive tableau of the issues facing young people today – racial equality, bullying, gun violence, climate change, disease, community, empowerment, inclusion, and more. Yolanda’s words will comfort and inspire the next generation of dreamers.
In addition to a printed copy, King’s first book is also available in an audio version read by Yolanda herself.
As she begins to wrap up her interview with CBS Mornings, King has a special New Year’s resolution for the country for 2024. The 15-year-old said that, “as a country we need to make a resolution for change.” And, we could not agree with her more!
Photo: CBS Mornings YouTube/Yolanda Rene King Instagram
