The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. (The King Center)
Background
Established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, commonly known as The King Center, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Center serves as the official living memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dedicated to preserving his legacy and promoting his philosophy of nonviolence. Its mission is to educate the world on Dr. King's life, teachings, and the principles of nonviolent social change. The King Center aims to inspire new generations to carry forward Dr. King's unfinished work, strengthen causes, and empower change-makers who continue his efforts today.
Key Strategic Focus
The King Center's strategic focus centers on the promotion and education of nonviolent social change. Its core objectives include:
- Nonviolence Education and Training: Offering programs that teach Dr. King's philosophy and methodology of nonviolence to individuals and organizations worldwide.
- Archival Services: Preserving and providing access to a vast collection of documents, artifacts, and memorabilia related to Dr. King and the civil rights movement.
- Community Engagement: Hosting events, workshops, and initiatives that foster community involvement and promote social justice.
The King Center specializes in nonviolence education, conflict resolution, and social justice advocacy. It utilizes Dr. King's Six Principles and Six Steps of Nonviolence as foundational frameworks in its programs. The primary markets targeted include educational institutions, corporations, community organizations, and individuals seeking to apply nonviolent principles in various aspects of society.
Financials and Funding
As a nonprofit organization, The King Center relies on donations, grants, and fundraising events for its operations. In the fiscal year ending June 2023, the Center reported total revenues of $12,546,889, with total expenses amounting to $9,969,275. This resulted in a net surplus of $2,577,614 and net assets of $15,169,198. The organization has received grants from various foundations and corporations, including the Lilly Endowment, American Online Giving Foundation, and Ford Motor Company Fund.
Pipeline Development
The King Center's initiatives are not structured as a traditional pipeline of products or services. Instead, the organization focuses on developing and delivering educational programs, training sessions, and community events that promote nonviolent social change. These programs are continually updated and expanded to address current social issues and to engage new audiences.
Technological Platform and Innovation
The King Center has embraced digital technology to enhance its educational outreach:
- Nonviolence365® Online Training: An online platform offering self-paced courses on nonviolence education for individuals and organizations.
- Digital Archives: A comprehensive digital archive containing over one million documents related to Dr. King and the civil rights movement, making these resources accessible to a global audience.
- Interactive Exhibits: The King Center has incorporated interactive digital technology, such as energy-producing sidewalks and smartphone apps, to engage visitors and support social impact initiatives.
Leadership Team
The King Center is led by a dedicated team committed to advancing its mission:
- Dr. Bernice A. King: Chief Executive Officer. Dr. King is the youngest child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. She has served as CEO since 2012, bringing her background as a lawyer, minister, and advocate for nonviolent principles to the organization.
- Bonita Hampton-Smith: Chief Operating Officer.
- Milton Jones: Interim Chief Financial Officer.
- Sabrina Stroud: Financial Manager.
The Board of Directors includes:
- Dexter Scott King: Chairman.
- Ambassador Andrew J. Young: Interim Vice Chair.
- Alveda King: Secretary.
- Dr. Angela Farris Watkins: Treasurer.
- Martin Luther King III: Board Member.
Competitor Profile
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to nonviolent social change, The King Center operates in a unique space with few direct competitors. However, there are other organizations and institutions that share similar missions:
- The National Civil Rights Museum: Located in Memphis, Tennessee, this museum preserves and interprets the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.
- The Rosa Parks Museum: Situated in Montgomery, Alabama, this museum honors the life and legacy of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture: Part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., this museum explores the richness and diversity of the African American experience.
These institutions, along with The King Center, contribute to the education and promotion of civil rights and social justice.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
The King Center has engaged in several significant collaborations to enhance its impact:
- EVERFI Partnership: In January 2025, The King Center partnered with EVERFI and the NFL to launch "Nonviolence for Social Change," a free digital lesson aimed at educating youth on nonviolent principles.
- Beloved Community Leadership Academy: Launched in April 2022, this program offers a 15-month curriculum focusing on leadership, character development, entrepreneurship, and 21st-century innovation for youth aged 13-18.
- Nonviolence365® Online Workplace Edition: Introduced in January 2023, this online training is designed for businesses seeking to expand their diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) initiatives by incorporating nonviolent principles into their organizational culture.
Operational Insights
The King Center's operations are characterized by:
- Community Engagement: Hosting events, workshops, and initiatives that foster community involvement and promote social justice.
- Educational Programs: Offering training sessions and educational resources on nonviolent social change to a diverse audience.
- Digital Outreach: Utilizing digital platforms to expand its reach and impact, including online training programs and digital archives.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
The King Center is well-positioned to:
- Expand Digital Initiatives: Enhance online training programs and digital resources to reach a global audience.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate with educational institutions, corporations, and community organizations to promote nonviolent principles.
- Engage Youth: Develop programs and initiatives that engage young people in nonviolent social change and leadership development.
Contact Information
- Official Website: thekingcenter.org
- Social Media Profiles:
- Facebook: The King Center
- Twitter: @TheKingCenter
- Instagram: @thekingcenter
- LinkedIn: The King Center
