Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King discuss using Dr. King's legacy to strengthen communities.

Every year, around the time of Martin Luther King Jr.'s federal holiday, there is a significant increase in discussions about his life and legacy as one of the most prominent civil rights leaders in U.S. history.

Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, urge readers to take inspiration from their new book, "What is My Legacy?", to make a lasting impact on society and discover their own legacies through personal growth and community involvement.

"King III stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that the book they wrote was aimed at bridging the gap between people during a time of division. He pointed out that civil dialogue used to be a norm in society, but now it tends to be confrontational. In his opinion, this approach is not conducive to progress and the creation of a united nation. King III believes that it is essential to reflect on the values that define the United States."

Nearly 30 contributors, including King III, Waters King, Canadian activists Marc and Craig Kielburger, and others, wrote "What is My Legacy?" to encourage readers to reflect on the transformative impact of MLK Jr. by discovering their own legacies, whether complex or community-focused.

"We hope more than ever for people to embrace the King legacy," Waters King stated to Planet Chronicle Digital. "We believe that we are all inheritors of the King legacy and have a unique and powerful role to play in creating the beloved community that Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King envisioned."

The King family believes that the book, featuring narratives by actress Julia Roberts, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Melinda French Gates, among others, will be a vital tool to spread the message of community support.

King III emphasized the need for civility, stating, "Our children must learn to respect everyone, regardless of our differing viewpoints."

"When we collaborate on projects and support one another, we uplift each other."

King III emphasizes that society has been reminded of the importance of nonviolent leadership and cultural change during the LA fires, as Americans came together to support Californians with financial, food, and clothing assistance.

He stated that Americans are sending money, clothes, and food to assist people in returning to their normal circumstances.

"That's who we are as a people."

The Dalai Lama, who wrote the book's foreword, repeatedly reminded King III and Waters King of the theme that humanity is one during their visit to him in India.

In 2025, King envisions individuals exploring the enduring impact of leaders such as MLK Jr., Mandela, Gandhi, Teresa, and Tubman, and continuing their legacy.

""People can be inspired to live out their legacy again, as Waters King said, and we all have a role to play in uplifting humanity," said Waters King."

Dr. King, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, championed social justice and racial equality during a time when opportunities for African Americans were limited. Despite the challenges of leading transformative change, the Kings continue to advocate for respectful discourse, peace, and collective action daily, regardless of the measurable impact.

King III stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that it doesn't have to be a grand legacy, but it's yours and what you've chosen to do should aim to improve the world.

He expressed his admiration for the quote "Be ashamed to die until you've won a victory for humanity," attributed to Horace Mann, the American Education pioneer.

At Antioch College, King III was first exposed to the quote while accompanying his mother to her alma mater.

We can achieve a triumph on our street, in our places of worship, schools, or cities, and some may even succeed in our states, nation, or world. However, all these words imply that we should strive to leave the world a better place than when we arrived, and feel ashamed to die until we have made a positive impact.

""All of us have the ability to create legacies, regardless of their size, and it is important to our families, children, and communities," King III stated."