Daughters of Civil Rights Leaders:
GirlTrek features a candid talk with Dr. Bernice King and Ilyasah Shabazz
By Kennedy Hudson

KALAMAZOO (MICH.)-On May 15, I viewed a live Facebook talk with Dr. Bernice King and IIyasah Shabazz hosted by GirlTrek. The ladies spoke about growing up in families involved in the Civil Rights Movement.  Dr. Bernice King and Ilyasah Shabazz’s lives may have seemed hard to most, but they spoke to the hosts as they shared some stories and information about their lives and families that had never been told before. 

I learned that their families were very close. Coretta Scott King and Mrs. Betty Shabazz were best friends and loved each other very much.

Dr. Bernice King shared a few timeless family memories about growing up in the King family. She stated that growing up and getting dressed up was something that her mom and her aunt did naturally. She spoke of how having a boyfriend in the King family was a little crazy and that she often would sneak out to see a boyfriend who lived in the projects of Atlanta, Ga. Corette Scott King had rules, but being the youngest child, Bernice was somewhat of a rebel and broke a few of the them. The Kings had many tragic deaths in their family. From the killing of her grandma in the church to the assassination of her dad and uncle (who the family determined both were killed by unknown murderers.)

Bernice, at one point, disliked white people because of all of the things they did to her family.  She didn’t like her first name when she was a child because, “I never knew any young people with that name.” But, when she researched the meaning, it meant claiming the victory. So from that point on she embraced it.

Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, also shared some family memories. She  explained to us that she and her sisters would dress alike when going out in public. Shabazz told us that having a boyfriend was hard for her because her uncles and grandpa would scare them away. After her dad was assassinated, she believes that most people wanted to believe  Malcolm X and started seeing the point.

Many people believe that Malcolm X was killed by his own people. But, the family knew those behind it were a more organized system than what others were led to believe. Ilyasah was inspired by her mom who told her to, look at the good in herself, and to practice self love. She told how her mom had a radio show that played, “I’m every Woman,” by Chaka Khan, before and after each show. That may have been one of her mother’s favorite songs. 

The women said that the Civil Right Movement was not just formed by men; lots of women helped make this happen. These two families helped our nation over the years and wanted black people to feel and have the same rights as whites—which has happened! The speakers felt like people had to choose between the two men. I wished their families could have worked together to unite Black America.

When the hosts showed them a photo of their dads together, smiling, they agreed that the picture was a great photo!  They said that their dads were both smiling but they were going through lots of problems in life during that moment in time. 

They were also shown a photo of their moms together, smiling. Dr. Bernice said, her mom, Corretta Scott King,  really loved and cared about Mrs. Shabazz and her family. Her mother was really heartbroken when Mrs. Shabazz passed away. Ilyasah says that their mothers had a sisterhood like no other and could trust each other at all cost. Dr. Bernice doesn’t like when people compare and contrast both of their dads because she believes that BOTH men helped build and move the nation for black people. 

Both King and Shabazz believe it will be wonderful and amazing if a woman ran for office and showed that women can do anything a man can do! These ladies have very busy lives but it was a blessing that they had time to sit and talk with us. I learned so much!