About Us

Founding Members

HISTORY

The Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, Inc. was founded by Honorable Dr. C. DeLores Tucker and a group of local leaders in 1983, 17 years after the assassination of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The King Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the only affiliate commissioned by Mrs. King and the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia to promote and perpetuate the nonviolent legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Philadelphia has and continues to enjoy a unique and historic role in the life of Dr. King and his memory.

The King Association, was originally founded to develop programs in the Northeast region of the United States and to serve as a pioneering model for future programs in other parts of the nation.

Over the years, the Association has grown to produce an active, year-round schedule of programs and activities that amplify the teachings and principles espoused by Dr. King. Through the myriad of activities, people of all ages learn about the significance of Dr. King’s works and how to incorporate Kingian principles into their own lives to make a positive difference.

The Association works with area educators, corporations, business, social organizations, and religious and community groups, as well as the general public. The Association seeks to develop and present related curricular, extracurricular and informational programs and events within the general community and to develop leadership in working toward the prevention of “nonviolent social change” in all walks of life.

We are committed to addressing pertinent social issues to reduce tension and violence in the Delaware Valley Community.

Our current program efforts are focused on the development of Kingian principles through our yearlong academic and youth development programs while teaching principles of violence prevention, particularly at a time like now, when violence among youth in our city is rampart.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the King Association is to preserve and advance the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through educating, interpreting, advocating and promoting nonviolent theory and philosophy. The Association works with schools, colleges and universities, with corporations and business organizations, with religious and community groups as well as the general public.

- ASSOCIATION GOALS -

To work with the educational system in developing curricular and extracurricular programs on the life, work and philosophy of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement
To provide special programs, conferences and seminars for corporate management and personnel on the significance of the Kingian approach to orderly economic and social progress
To provide an arena for community members to discuss and develop solutions for social issues and conflict resolutions
To encourage community, civic, ethnic, and religious groups to study the principles and application of Kingian nonviolent strategies in resolving social tensions and conflicts
To help establish advance institutes on social issues and conflict resolutions at schools and universities
To serve as a preventive and interventive resource for social conflict
To train the trainer within public and private entities as “ambassadors” of nonviolence and conflict resolution

MORE HISTORICAL INFORMATION

HISTORICAL PROGRAMS

National Race Dialogues focused on specific areas of concern, and brought together experts in those areas as well as the general public, with specific interest in youth participation. Each dialogue included workshops and the development and implementation of programs and policies. A planning committee of 30 civic and agency groups developed the dialogue format. This format has become a national model for other cities.
The Regional Institute on Nonviolence, established in 1991, offered a 30-hour training program in Kingian conflict resolution and leadership development. Participants have been involved in the Dialogue on Race workshops.
The Conflict Resolution Task Force addressed issues of racial/ethnic tension in communities. The Conflict Resolution Task Force was a major force in the resolution of racial tensions in areas such as Grays Ferry and Northeast Bridesburg, where black/white conflicts have escalated. The Task Force was able to bring together these groups and begin interchange programs to increase racial understanding. Workshops for community, school and government groups on the topics of civil rights, Kingian principles, conflict resolution, the Civil Rights Movement history, and race relations.
The Rites of Passage Program targeted at-risk youth and provided a 30-hour training program in self-esteem, leadership development, self-development, and community awareness.
The Annual Freedom Ride a 10-day educational tour retracing the steps of the Civil Rights Movement through the nation. The Association worked jointly with the schools in awarding educational credits for the activity.
The Peace Fair, held to commemorate the Great March on Washington, brings together organizations throughout the region that promote peace, jobs, and equality issues.
The Voter Registration Drive, held to commemorate the assassination of Dr. King, provides an opportunity for community organizations to educate and register people to vote.
The Tri-State Collegiate Student Council monitored race relations, treatment of minority students; students’ rights issues on campuses in the region. The Tri-State Collegiate Council has sponsored several forums to discuss race issues on campuses. They have also developed programs for colleges to implement and promote racial understanding. Colleges involved included four-year and community colleges throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
The Ecumenical Council promoted nonviolence training and programs in and via the churches in the region. During the past, the Council was instrumental in the Grays Ferry racial conflict resolution. Churches took the lead in having exchanges and holding joint services to promote unity.
The Youth Adjudication Program worked with the Juvenile Court and provided a work site for juveniles to serve their community service time. Generally youth that have been involved in racial conflicts were assigned to the Association for a 6-week period.
Latchkey Scholars Program (After School Program) utilized the King Association facilities for a latchkey center to serve the Spring Garden/ Broad Street neighborhoods. School dropout and low school achievement are indicative of many of the students who live in this area. The reasons range from language deficiencies, to family problems, to homelessness.

CURRENT EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

The Annual National Bell Ringing Ceremony held at the Liberty Bell designating the commencement of the national holiday in America and throughout the world in honor of Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. The King Association has had the responsibility of this ceremony since 1984 when commissioned by Mrs. Coretta Scott King to honor her husband this way on the holiday.

The Annual King Day Awards and Benefit Luncheon is the largest in the nation and held on the Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday. National and local civic leaders are honored and awarded with a “Drum Major” Award. These are persons whose ideals exemplify those of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr.

College for Teens Program is designed to advance opportunities by encouraging underprivileged youth, ages 11 through 18, toward college attendance and pursuit of professional careers. Students are provided insight into diverse career areas, introduced to positive role models and developed career orientation as a means to improving the quality of their lives and communities. We collaborate with higher educational institutions to enhance our youth programs. Pooling resources provides a one-stop service center where participants can, with consistency, receive assistance for individual and group needs. Our organization provides administrative, student support services and collaborative efforts in program design, development, funding resource research and development for the success of these programs.

“The Educational Ambassadors of Nonviolence” Club is a spin-off of the College for Teens Program. Students learn nonviolent principles based on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s philosophy. They are also taught how the create their own principles and learn to speak proficiently in front of any size group. Students must maintain a C average or above and good behavior in school to remain an ambassador. The program is held year round.

The Children’s Christmas Dinner Party for underserved children from the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. They were treated to a full course Christmas dinner, a special Christmas program that embodies the meaning and spirit of Christmas and gifts/toys. There have been special performances by recording artist who lead the children in Christmas Carols. The ballroom is usually beaming with Christmas decorations transformed into a winter wonderland and the children beam with delight as special surprise visitors from Sesame Street, Disney World and the North Pole parade throughout the room. For many children this event has been their first total Christmas experience. Up to 3,800 children have attended at one time. Over the past four years, the event has expanded to include a Food Basket and Clothing Giveaway to needy families. The program is organized by the King Association’s College for Teens Students.

DESCRIPTION OF CONSTITUENCY SERVED/TARGET POPULATION AND AREA

The constituency served will be all Philadelphia and surrounding areas (including Camden, New Jersey, Wilmington, Delaware and Chester, Pennsylvania). All ages from elementary school to seniors are serviced by our various projects. Both urban and suburban regions are included, as well as all ethnic, socio-economic groups.