The Father I Never Knew

by King, Bernice A.; Lowe, Valerie

• ISBN13: 9781585421879
• ISBN10: 1585421871
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-09-01
• Publisher: Tarcherperigree

Summary

The youngest child of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King, Bernice King is remembered by most as the five-year-old in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken of her as she lay in her mother's lap during her father's funeral. Brought up under the microscope of national attention during one of America's most tempestuous times, she had the mixed blessing of being part of one of the country's most influential families. In this moving memoir, Bernice King talks openly about growing up with a father who was a hero to many, and losing him violently at such a young age. She provides new insights into the life and ministry of Martin Luther King, Jr., and shares the pain she felt in the years following his death. Candidly exploring her feelings of resentment, racism, and "father wounds," King describes the fear and anger that overshadowed her life, pushing her to thoughts of suicide. She shows how, through the incredible power of forgiveness, she was able to overcome her demons and pursue her own personal destiny. Plagued by insecurities, issues of abandonment, and pressure to perform, but inspired by the life and the lessons of her father and supported by her strong faith, King was able to press through and find peace, purpose, and a spiritual and emotional healing.