NAACP DISMAYED BY DOJ’S FAILURE TO PROSECUTE POLICE OFFICERS IN FREDDIE GRAY CASE

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, is disappointed by the decision by President Trump’s Department of Justice not to bring civil rights charges against the six Baltimore Police officers who were associated with the arrest and death of Freddie Gray. The NAACP, as well as its Maryland State Conference and Baltimore City Branch, issued the following statement:

“The Department of Justice let Freddie Gray’s family, Baltimore residents, and the entire nation down by deciding not to charge the police officers involved with Freddie Gray’s death. While we aren’t surprised by the DOJ’s decision – especially considering President Trump’s statement that police officers should not be ‘too nice’ when transporting those held in police custody – we had hoped that the case would have turned out differently,” said Ngozi Ndulue, Senior Director of Criminal Justice Programs at the NAACP. “The Justice Department had a real chance to demonstrate its commitment to police accountability. Instead, the DOJ’s decision reiterates what we already know—the threat of federal charges against individual officers is insufficient to ensure constitutional policing. Without meaningful avenues for police accountability, the status quo prevails; communities of color are vulnerable to civil rights violations from disreputable police officers with little repercussion.”

“The way the Justice Department is handling this case illustrates a deliberate weakening of civil rights enforcement under Attorney General Jeff Sessions. This decision by the DOJ highlights the need for national, state and local policing reforms to ensure that officers are held accountable if they violate constitutional rights. The NAACP will continue to fight for this step forward and advocate for the anti-racial profiling bills for which we have long championed,” said Gerald Stansbury, President of the NAACP Maryland State Conference.

“The fact that we’re living in a country where the death of a young man can go unanswered is heartbreaking. Our tax dollars in Baltimore are supposed to ensure our law enforcement ‘protects and serves’ not ‘hunts and catches,’” said Tessa Hill-Aston, President of the Baltimore City Branch of the NAACP. “I have great respect for the Baltimore Police Department – and I know many of them personally – but I am disgusted by the actions taken by the individual police officers who were involved with Mr. Gray’s death and further outraged by the DOJ’s decision not to press charges against the accused officers. This case is part of a much bigger narrative about the value of Black lives and the willingness of our justice system to actually seek justice for Black families.”

Tim Scott: 'There is no realistic comparison' between white supremacists and Antifa.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., expressed concern Thursday after President Trump reiterated his claim that there are many on the "other side" of the clash between white supremacists and counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Va., who were bad people. Read his statement below:

Colin Kaeprnick Shows Support For Jemele Hill

Jemele Hill, the co-host of Sports Center went on a rant on Twitter Monday. She tweeted that Trump was "unqualified and unfit to be president." She wrote: “He is not a leader. And if he were not white, he never would have been elected.”

Hill continued: “Trump is the most ignorant, offensive president of my lifetime."

"His rise is a direct result of white supremacy. Period,” she wrote.

The Sports Center anchor's tweets were denounced by ESPN, which released a statement reading, “The comments on Twitter from Jemele Hill regarding the President do not represent the position of ESPN. We have addressed this with Jemele and she recognizes her actions were inappropriate.”

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick took to Twitter on Tuesday to show support for the ESPN anchor:

We are with you @jemelehill ✊🏾

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 13, 2017

AMC Developing TV Series Based On Black Lives Matter Book

AMC has put in development a drama based on Wesley Lowery’s bestselling nonfiction book They Can’t Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America’s Racial Justice. It comes from Brad Weston’s Makeready and writer LaToya Morgan (Into the Badlands, Turn: Washington’s Spies).

Published in 2016 by Little, Brown & Company, the book was acquired by Makeready last fall. It examines how decades of racially biased policing in segregated neighborhoods with failing schools, crumbling infrastructure and too few jobs has led to the high-profile cases of police brutality in Ferguson, Cleveland, Baltimore and elsewhere and the birth of Black Lives Matter movement seeking justice for the deaths of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and Freddie Gray.

Written by Morgan, who is under an overall deal at AMC, the potential series also will reflect current events and race relations through the stories and voices of fictional characters. Morgan will executive produce with Makeready founder and CEO Weston and creative heads Pam Abdy and Scott Nemes.

[SOURCE: DEADLINE]

Check Out The Book the series Is based On:

PAPERBACK----- HARDCOVER----- KINDLE

NASA set to honor Katherine Johnson with new building

NASA Langley Research Center has named their new Computational Research Facility building after Katherine G. Johnson, who started working for NASA in 1953 as a mathematician who helped launch America into the space race with the Soviet Union. Her story was told in the Hidden Figures where she was portrayed by Taraji Henson.

Katherine Johnson just turned 99 years old, and her life is on a roll.

She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, spoke on stage at the Academy Awards and saw her career developed into a best-selling book and a hit movie adaptation. She will get her own LEGO figure later this year.

Next up: On Sept. 22, NASA Langley Research Center — where she worked for more than three decades as a “human computer” in the early days of the nation’s space program — will formally open a new building named in her honor. The Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility will be a state-of-the-art lab for innovative research and development supporting NASA’s exploration missions.

“It’s a perfect storm in that we were building a computational research facility, and that’s what she did as a human computer,” said Mike Finneran, from NASA Langley’s communications department. “It made sense to name it after her. It fits, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Read more: NASA Langley set to honor Katherine Johnson with new building

Tim Duncan raises over a million dollars for U.S. Virgin islands after Hurricane Irma

Retired NBA superstar and five time champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan has proven once again that he is a champion both on and off the court. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Virgin Islands native penned a piece on The Player's Tribune asking for donations to help the islands which were devastated after the storm hit.

Duncan wrote:

Right now as I type this, the U.S. Virgin Islands — the place where I was born and where I grew up — has been badly damaged by Hurricane Irma. The people there, many of whom are old friends of mine, are suffering. Weather reports say that another Category 5 storm, Hurricane Jose, is close behind. No one knows what the place will look like when the rain stops.

Now time is of the essence.

I’m donating $250,000 immediately — tonight — to the storm relief efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands. And going forward, I pledge to match your donations up to the first $1 million. That’s where you come in: You can go here to make a donation.

In response donors have given over 1 million dollars to help the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands at the time of this posting.

"I'm blown away by it," Duncan said Sunday during a news conference at the San Antonio Food Bank. "In this day and age, it's a little easier to reach a lot of people, and people have come out from everywhere. I've looked down the list of donors, and I've recognized some names. I've gotten support from the Spurs, H-E-B and the food bank -- all across the board. It's just been an amazing response."

Kimora Hudson, 13 Year-Old girl accepted to college

At first glance, Kimora Hudson seems like a normal teenager. Her interests include swimming, sleepovers, school football games, and hanging out with friends. But it’s her knack for academic excellence and exceptional intellect that makes her a standout. At just 13 years old, she’s the youngest student to be accepted and taking classes at The University of West Georgia (UWG).

Instead of attending middle school, Hudson is currently enrolled in the university’s Move On When Ready/Dual Enrollment program, which allows students in grades 9 – 12 to earn college credit while working on their high school diploma, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Once she completes the program, the teen genius will be will be on the level of a college junior in about two years.

Along with UWG, Hudson, a native of Douglasville, Georgia, is also enrolled in high school. To her peers, she’s an inspiration, but according to her, she’s just “doing what comes natural.”

“I’ve always raised my hand first in class. That just felt normal to me. But when I started getting accepted into really advanced educational programs, I started thinking, ‘OK, I’m really smart,’” she told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Although the MENSA candidate is modest about her academic ability, her parents say they knew she was special when she was just a baby.

“When she was three or four months, her doctors told me she would be a genius, because she started forming words very early,” her mother, Fawn Hudson, told AJC. “In pre-K, her teachers would tell me they had to bring in 2nd grade work specifically for Kimora. By the time first grade came around, it was just obvious that she was gifted.”

Recognizing her daughter’s brilliance, Fawn signed her up for a variety of fast-track curricula, including Duke University’s Talent Identification Program, a month-long online learning session for 5th and 6th graders, and Vanderbilt University’s Summer Academy, a week-long residential academic experience for advanced 8th through 12th graders. By the time Kimora reached the 7th grade, she was taking the college entrance exam ACT.

Read more: 13-Year-Old Black Girl Becomes Youngest Student Accepted to the University of West Georgia

Obama to hold first DNC fundraiser since leaving office

It's no secret that Democrats have been slacking in the fundraising department since President Obama left office. Well, now there's hope that fundraising will pick up with Obama holding his first of what will hopefully be multiple fundraisers since leaving office.

Former President Obama is reportedly set to hold his first fundraising event for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) since leaving the White House.

The event, which will take place in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 27, will help fund state parties and upcoming Virginia races, CNN reported on Friday.

The fundraiser marks Obama's second political event since leaving office, the first being in July for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

UNCF Launches the Hurricane Harvey HBCU Students Relief Fund

Help UNCF provide financial support to the thousands of HBCU (historically black colleges & universities) students in Texas and Louisiana impacted by the effects of Hurricane Harvey. Businesses are closed, perhaps for weeks or months, depriving employees of the paychecks they count on to pay family expenses, including their children’s college tuition. As the community comes together to rebuild, our HBCU students will need help with transportation, replenishing books, clothing and other educational necessities.

“We have all seen the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey in an area that is home to thousands of HBCU students,” said Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF. “As the floodwaters recede, we know all too well what we will find, the burden falling hardest on those least able to afford it: homes ruined and families forced into temporary shelters. Now more than ever, UNCF needs the community’s help to fill the gap and ensure that these students, our family, remain in school and not lose sight of their future endeavors. Stand with UNCF and ACT NOW.”

How Can You Help?

1.    Visit uncf.org/HarveyRelief or text UNCFNA to 50555 to donate.

2.    Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to pledge their commitment.

3.    Share this message on your social networks to spread the urgency to help our HBCU students. “Restoring the damage done by #HurricaneHarvey will be a long process, but our students need your help right away! Donate now: uncf.org/HarveyRelief.”                                            

Your donation will aid HBCU students through this natural disaster. Restoring the damage done by Harvey will be a long process, but even the smallest contribution can make a larger impact.

###

About UNCF 
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities. Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter @UNCF.

Spelman College, Rosalind Brewer graduate named COO of Starbucks

A Spelman College graduate and the former CEO of Sam's Club has been appointed as Group President and Chief Operating Officer of Starbucks Corporation.

Rosalind Brewer is a current Starbucks board member and has more than 30 years of management experience.

“Starbucks is a culture-first company focused on performance and Roz is a world class operator and executive who embodies the values of Starbucks. She has been a trusted strategic counselor to me ever since she joined our board of directors, and I deeply value her insight, business acumen, and leadership expertise. Roz is the right leader to help us realize our greatest of ambitions in this next chapter of our journey,” said Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and ceo. “I am honored that Roz is joining Starbucks in this capacity and playing an important role with an accomplished team of senior leaders that reflects the strength and diversity of our organization.”

Brewer left Wal-Mart February 1, 2017 after being the longest serving CEO of Sam's Club. She was also the first African-American to hold the CEO position at the company.

Brewer will be based at the Starbucks Support Center in Seattle beginning Oct. 2.

[SOURCE: WTVM]

Michael Bennett Discusses Violent Police Incident In Las Vegas Police

Seattle Seahawks star Michael Bennet has accused Las Vegas Police of throwing him to to the ground and threatening to blow his head off after he and others fled what many believed were gun shots. He like the others fleeing was seeking safety but believes that police singled him out for being black. Bennet discusses his altercation with Las Vegas police at a news conference. Bennet is obviously distraught and explained how he feels lucky to be alive.

Steve Harvey's wife advised him not to meet with Trump

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

It seems that everyone's favorite TV/radio/game show host has the same problem many married men do, he doesn't listen to his wife, although in Steve's defense he may have lost track of who his current wife is. She advised him not to go to the ill fated meeting with Trump at Trump Towers, but instead of listening to her, Harvey decided to listen to his inner Uncle Ruckus. We all know how badly things went for Harvey after that meeting and in an article in the Hollywood Reporter Harvey discusses the aftermath. He discusses ignoring his wife's advice, meetings with Ben Carson, and the fact that he is STILL surprised by the backlash from the black community that he received.

On ignoring his wife's advice:

Now, here's the crazy thing: I'm supposed to be on a boat for my 60th birthday, so my wife says, "Steve, just take off [and skip the meeting]. You'll meet with him some other time." God, I should've listened.

On the backlash:

The backlash. It was so vicious that it really threw me. I was being called names that I've never been called: Uncle Tom. A coon. A sellout. Because I went to see this man?! Which only happened because my business partner got a call from the Obama transition team, who said that the Trump transition team would like to set up a meeting. The Obama team said they thought it would be a good idea because the president is encouraging dialogue.

On meetings with Ben Carson:

I've been to HUD twice. I've met with Dr. Carson and we're actually trying to get it started. We've had meetings, and now we're just waiting on the final notes. We have several teams in place. Hopefully before the year goes out, we'll be making the announcement about the first vision center.

Read the full article here: HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Pres. Obama statement on Trump rescinding DACA

Former president Barack Obama released the following statement in response to Trump rescinding DACA in which he referred to the move as cruel. Read his statement below:

Immigration can be a controversial topic. We all want safe, secure borders and a dynamic economy, and people of goodwill can have legitimate disagreements about how to fix our immigration system so that everybody plays by the rules.

But that’s not what the action that the White House took today is about. This is about young people who grew up in America – kids who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag. These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper. They were brought to this country by their parents, sometimes even as infants. They may not know a country besides ours. They may not even know a language besides English. They often have no idea they’re undocumented until they apply for a job, or college, or a driver’s license.

Over the years, politicians of both parties have worked together to write legislation that would have told these young people – our young people – that if your parents brought you here as a child, if you’ve been here a certain number of years, and if you’re willing to go to college or serve in our military, then you’ll get a chance to stay and earn your citizenship. And for years while I was President, I asked Congress to send me such a bill.

That bill never came. And because it made no sense to expel talented, driven, patriotic young people from the only country they know solely because of the actions of their parents, my administration acted to lift the shadow of deportation from these young people, so that they could continue to contribute to our communities and our country. We did so based on the well-established legal principle of prosecutorial discretion, deployed by Democratic and Republican presidents alike, because our immigration enforcement agencies have limited resources, and it makes sense to focus those resources on those who come illegally to this country to do us harm. Deportations of criminals went up. Some 800,000 young people stepped forward, met rigorous requirements, and went through background checks. And America grew stronger as a result.

But today, that shadow has been cast over some of our best and brightest young people once again. To target these young people is wrong – because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating – because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel. What if our kid’s science teacher, or our friendly neighbor turns out to be a Dreamer? Where are we supposed to send her? To a country she doesn’t know or remember, with a language she may not even speak?

Let’s be clear: the action taken today isn’t required legally. It’s a political decision, and a moral question. Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn’t threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us. They are that pitcher on our kid’s softball team, that first responder who helps out his community after a disaster, that cadet in ROTC who wants nothing more than to wear the uniform of the country that gave him a chance. Kicking them out won’t lower the unemployment rate, or lighten anyone’s taxes, or raise anybody’s wages.

It is precisely because this action is contrary to our spirit, and to common sense, that business leaders, faith leaders, economists, and Americans of all political stripes called on the administration not to do what it did today. And now that the White House has shifted its responsibility for these young people to Congress, it’s up to Members of Congress to protect these young people and our future. I’m heartened by those who’ve suggested that they should. And I join my voice with the majority of Americans who hope they step up and do it with a sense of moral urgency that matches the urgency these young people feel.

Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we’d want our own kids to be treated. It’s about who we are as a people – and who we want to be.

What makes us American is not a question of what we look like, or where our names come from, or the way we pray. What makes us American is our fidelity to a set of ideals – that all of us are created equal; that all of us deserve the chance to make of our lives what we will; that all of us share an obligation to stand up, speak out, and secure our most cherished values for the next generation. That’s how America has traveled this far. That’s how, if we keep at it, we will ultimately reach that more perfect union.

Howard University records the biggest upset in College Football history

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

Some guest just don't follow the rules. UNLV (University Nevada Las Vegas) paid HBCU Howard University $600,000 to show up and get beat up in Las Vegas, but the Howard Bison (1-0) had other historical ideas.

Led by the little brother of Cam Newton, Caylin Newton and Coach Mike London the Howard Bison defeated the UNLV Running Rebels 43-40 recording the biggest upset in college football history based on the betting line. Newton threw for 140 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 190 yards and two touchdowns to lead his team to victory.

UNLV was favored by 45 1/2 point over Howard and no team that was a 45 plus point Underdog had ever won. To put into perspective how much of an underdog Howard was a $100 bet would have won the person betting $55,000.

“It’s a very humbling experience to be a part of something that you can talk about forever,” London said, between responding to “a gazillion text messages” and breaking down the win with his mother.

“My players, the guys, I’m telling you, they are sky high right now regarding confidence, in terms of belonging,” London went on. “We talked about how this was a business trip. This wasn’t the old typical I-AA, it’s your money game, and we’re going to be cannon fodder for this team. We came here to win the game, and that’s what happened.”

This marks the first time that Howard has beaten a team in College Football's top division the FBS.

Stressing education is more than asking if your child's homework is done

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

Many of you may that know that I, George Cook have been a member of my local board of education since 2009. I like to share a motivational message about education every year and this year's message is directed toward parents who are the most important element in their child's education. I want to stress that stressing the value of education is more than asking your child if their homework is done. Hear more on my thoughts below:

John Kelly Pushing Out Omarosa Manigault

Newly minted White House chief of staff John Kelly has sought to put a dent in the influence of one of President Donald Trump’s most famous advisers: Omarosa Manigault.

The former Apprentice co-star—who currently serves as the communications director for the Office of Public Liaison—has seen her direct access to the president limited since Kelly took the top White House job in late July, sources tell The Daily Beast. In particular, Kelly has taken steps to prevent her and other senior staffers from getting unvetted news articles on the president’s Resolute desk—a key method for influencing the president’s thinking, and one that Manigualt used to rile up Trump about internal White House drama.

Multiple sources in and outside the Trump White House told The Daily Beast that, until recently, it was common practice for aides to slide into the Oval Office and distract and infuriate the president with pieces of negative news coverage. Manigault, they say, was one of the worst offenders.

“When Gen. Kelly is talking about clamping down on access to the Oval, she’s patient zero,” a source close to the Trump administration said.

Read more: John Kelly Pushing Out Omarosa for ‘Triggering’ Trump

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin dismisses question about putting Harriet Tubman on $20 bill

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday declined to say whether the Trump administration would continue with a plan to depict Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.

Asked during a CNBC television interview about removing President Andrew Jackson from the currency in place of Tubman, an abolitionist and former slave, Mnuchin said: “It’s not something that I’m focused on at the moment.”

The most important reason to make currency changes is to stop counterfeiting, he said.

“People have been on the bills for a long period of time,” he said. “This is something we’ll consider. Right now, we have a lot more important issues to focus on.”

In April 2016, then-Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said he asked the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to accelerate work on the new $20 bill with Tubman on the front. He said he expected the final concept design for the new $20 bill and other bills to be unveiled in 2020 in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

[SOURCE: POLITICO]

David A. Clarke Jr. resigns as Milwaukee County sheriff

In a surprise move Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. resigned today. Although he gave no reason he may have resigned due to the investigation of his jail, or the highly likely chance that he would not win re-election, or that he found out that impersonating Uncle Ruckus for conservative media very well. Read more about his resignation below. George L. Cook III African American Reports.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. — the controversial, Stetson-wearing official who rose to national prominence with his no-holds-barred conservative rhetoric — resigned his office Thursday.

Clarke, who is in his fourth term, submitted a resignation letter to Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson on Thursday afternoon. The sheriff was attending the convention of the National Fraternal Order of Police in Nashville and could not be reached for comment.

"Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 17.01, this communication is submitted as the notice of my resignation as Sheriff of Milwaukee County commencing Aug. 31, 2017, at 11:59 p.m.," stated Clarke's resignation letter.

He has not said what his plans are.

Read more: David A. Clarke Jr. resigns as Milwaukee County sheriff

Aaron Rodgers says Colin Kaepernick 'should be on a roster right now'

Many marquee African American player such as Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman, Brandon Marshall, and Marshawn Lynch have come out in support of Colin Kaepernick, and openly question why the QB does not have an NFL job yet. Many are waiting for a marquee white player to come out in support Kaepernick and it looks like Green Bay Packers QB, Aaron Rodgers is that player. George L. Cook III African American Reports.

You won't find Aaron Rodgers kneeling during the national anthem this season, but in a recent interview with ESPN's Mina Kimes, the Green Bay Packers offensive captain revealed he has no issue with players who do choose to protest.

That includes fellow quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who's still waiting for a job offer less than two weeks before the start of the 2017 season. Kaepernick became a national figure last season, when he popularized the practice of not standing during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice in America.

Rodgers said it would be "ignorant" to believe that the lack of interest has nothing to do with Kaepernick's history of activism.

"I think he should be on a roster right now," Rodgers said. "I think because of his protests, he's not."

While Rodgers will continue to stand for "The Star Spangled Banner," he plans on supporting his teammates who choose to follow Kaepernick's example. He mentioned that conversations with two of his teammates, wide receiver Randall Cobb and tight end Martellus Bennett, have helped him to better understand the motives behind the protests; Bennett is the brother of the Seahawks' Michael Bennett, one of the NFL's most prominent protestors.

"I'm gonna stand because that's the way I feel about the flag – but I'm also 100 percent supportive of my teammates or any fellow players who are choosing not to," he said. "They have a battle for racial equality. That's what they're trying to get a conversation started around."

Aaron Rodgers says Colin Kaepernick 'should be on a roster right now'

Aaron Rodgers speaks in support of Colin Kaepernick

Statue of Martin Luther King Jr. unveiled in Atlanta

The daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. stood beside her father's newly unveiled statue Monday, just a few blocks from where he grew up, handing out hugs and telling each well-wisher: "It's about time."

The statue paying tribute to King made its public debut Monday on the Georgia Capitol grounds in front of around 800 people including Gov. Nathan Deal, many other state political leaders and several members of the King family. The sculpture's installation comes more than three years after Georgia lawmakers endorsed the project.

"Forty-nine years ago when my father was assassinated, he was the most hated man in America. Today, he is one of the most loved men in the world," the Rev. Bernice King said of her father, who was slain in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.

A replica of the nation's Liberty Bell tolled three times before the 8-foot (2.4-meter) bronze statue was unveiled on the 54th anniversary of King's "I have a dream" speech at the 1963 March on Washington. The sculpture depicts King in mid-stride, as his left arm holds an overcoat while grasping a batch of papers.

"Today, we as the sons and daughters of former slaves and former slave owners are here to witness the unveiling of that statue," Bernice King said. "It is a glorious and grand day in the state of Georgia and in the United States of America and all over the world."

Read more: Statue of Martin Luther King Jr. unveiled in his hometown.