ATLANTA — Over the past 24 hours, students and parents directly affected by mass shootings have come face to face with leaders in Congress and President Trump, pleading for action to prevent another tragedy from happening.
The movement's message is hitting close to home for one of Georgia's most famous families, also affected by gun violence: The King family.
On Thursday, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said she stands in solidarity with the students demanding change, saying they are pursuing her father's dream.
Rev. Bernice King said she is enlivende and inspired to see the students across the country marching and speaking out.
"This is a long, irretractable struggle," she said. "They have now entered a movement."
The CEO of the King Center in Atlanta is in the midst of organizing nation-wide events to mark 50 years since her father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, assassination.
Speaking just steps away from where her parents are entombed, she told 11Alive she's comforted to see the spirit of her father in the young people who are demanding change.
"They refuse to back down," King said. "We must make a change. It is a mandate. It's not an option anymore."
King was just 5 years old when her father was assassinated outside a Memphis, Tennessee motel. Now, 50 years later, she's hoping that the events she is planning for April will help the nation recalibrate, rededicate and work to fulfill his dream.
"For me, it is an opportunity to do some deeper healing. I've had some difficult moments leading up to all of this planning. I have days where I've cried," she said. "Daddy gave us the vision... that we get to a place where we learn to listen to each other so that we might find a solution. We've got to start somewhere."
