MLK's Niece: Why I Stand With Glenn Beck

One King will be at Glenn Beck’s rally on the Washington Mall tomorrow—pro-life activist Alveda King, niece of the civil rights pioneer. “Americans are hungry to reclaim the symbols of our liberty,” she writes in the Christian Science Monitor. “Glen Beck’s rally … will give us that chance.” She argues that the gathering “is not a political event, per se. Instead, it is designed to be a refreshing exercise of freedom of speech.”

King says that the rally will be a chance to reflect on America’s “character as a nation,” and to honor its armed forces. She thinks the event is in keeping with King’s memory, and says she’ll talk about that memory tomorrow—“joined by those who represent the diversity of the human race.” She’s also fine with counter-protesters who disagree. “Uncle Martin’s legacy is big enough to go around.”

For one of those dissenting views, check out this essay from someone who was at the original march, or for more on Alveda's background, click here. Both are in Salon.