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.
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 -
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.
Copyright © 2024 Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
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