A.D. King Foundation Youth Empowerment Gala – A Memorable Moment

Dr. Christine King Farris, Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King and Mrs. Angela Farris Watkins - Photo: Courtesy of the A D King Foundation
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History is meant to be told. The month of February was officially designated as Black History Month by President Gerald Ford in 1976, the United States’ Bicentennial year. He felt those who had accomplishments should always be acknowledged. President Ford broadened the honors after Carter G. Woodson created the event and had the first dedication for “Negro History Week” in 1926 after he realized black history was not being represented in books that help shaped the American history.

In February 2020, I am honoring the late Rev. Dr. Alfred Daniel “A.D.” King, the brother of Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.,  Dr. Christine King-Farris and his widow, Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King for standing up and moving forward with the Civil Rights Movement for equality, freedom and justice for all.

A.D. King and his bride, Naomi Ruth Barber King who married on June 17, 1950 – Photo Courtesy of A D King Foundation, Inc
The Program for November 16, 2019

His mysterious drowning death took place 15 months after his brother was assassinated. Evidence shows he was murdered but no one has been arrested. Rev. A.D. King was part of many marches; dedicated his life to many communities; became one of the main strategists of the Selma Demonstration; led passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; enacted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and achieved so much more. Rev. Dr. A.D. King’s legacy is kept alive by the hard work of his wife, Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King, Dr. Babs Onabanjo, the President/CEO of A.D. King Foundation, and the dedication of many others.

Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King, Founder/Chairperson and Dr. Babs Onabanjo, President/CEO of AD King Foundation – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
The King Family and Friends carrying on the A.D. King Legacy – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth


Renee Sudderth, Splash Magazine Photojournalist; Dr. Babs Onabanjo and Dr. Tirazah Huff – Photo Courtesy of A D King Foundation, Inc


Sharon J. Hill, The Owner, The Voice & Pen of The Public Eye Report – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

The last weekend in February, they will travel to Alabama with two buses tracing the routes the Kings traveled so many times from Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama. Everyone is excited about this historical ride.

Throughout 2019, many events took place that were organized by this great foundation.  Entrepreneurship Tutoring, Mentoring, Coaching, Advising, Parades,  A Health Fair Summit, Partnership with Law Enforcement and Community Policing.  However,  the highlight in November 2019 was the celebration of the milestone, the 10th Annual A.D. King Foundation Youth Empowerment Fundraising Awards Gala Dinner with the leadership of Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King and Dr. Babs Onabanjo.

Dr. Babs Onabanjo acknowledging the Atlanta Matriarchs of Civil Rights, Dr. Christine King Farris (age 92) and Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King (age 88) for their long life accomplishments during the Civil Rights Movement and the Present – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Mrs. Naomi King with her nephew, Isaac Farris Jr., the son of Mrs. Christine King Farris and the late Isaac Farris, Sr – Photo Courtesy of A D King Foundation, Inc

The elegant affair was entertaining, epic and outstanding.

The Program for November 16, 2019
The Mistress of Ceremony Dr. Renee’ Robertson stands by while Rev. Anthony Motley speaks to us – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
The Boys Scout Honor Guard representing their country and the AD King Foundation – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Soweto Street Beat, a South African world dance theater company based in Atlanta, Georgia and Soweto, South Africa who entertained us with excitement and amazement – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Dr. Christine King Farris and daughter, Angela Farris Watkins enjoying a memorable evening – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Judy Forte – National Park Ranger Superintendent; Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King; Dr. Babs Onabanjo, and Alveda King (seated) daughter of the late Rev. A.D. King and Mrs. Naomi King – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

The recipients who received awards have made a difference in our communities, state, nation and world. The A.D. King Foundation displayed and acknowledged the empowering youths through the many enrichment programs and activities that have taken place.

Dr. Christine King Farris being honored – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

This special evening consisted of singing, dancing, tributes, dinner and presenting Dr. Christine King-Farris the “Living Legend, Lifetime Achievement & Matriarch of the King Family” Award.  Everything was first class.  Take a look

Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King was seen smiling and enjoying herself because she knows if it was not for her husband, this foundation would not exist. She enjoyed her special night and ended with a special dance because it was her 88th Birthday also. At one moment, I had to join her with others which was funny and exciting. What a great way to celebrate life and remembering her husband’s legacy with those who attended this special event and those who were with her in spirit.

Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King and Renee Sudderth enjoying this beautiful, rewarding evening – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth



Rev. Derek King, the only surviving son of Rev. Dr. A.D. King and Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
One of the Matriarchs of the King family, Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King who continues to walk proud and tall with her great-great grandsons and keeping her husband, Rev. Dr. A.D. King’s legacy alive – Photo Courtesy of A D King Foundation, Inc

Dr. Naomi Ruth King and President Dr. Babs Onabanjo cordially invite you to be a part of this legacy and never forget a true soldier of the civil rights movement was Rev. Dr. Alfred Daniel “A.D.” King. The next gala will be Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the Atlanta Metropolitan State College’s Conference Center.

Babs O. Onabanjo,  Ph.D. President/CEO: A D King Foundation, Inc.
2505 Creel Rd; Atlanta, GA 30349 adkingfoundation, facebook

Donate ==>paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2234114  

678-736-4933 cell: 770-873-9265 fax: | 770-474-2376

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AD King 50th Memorial Service – A King Family Civil Rights Tradition

10 Comments

  1. M.B. – March 4, 2020 – Via EMAIL – Your article was real nice. You really keep us informed about our history and allow us to know about other family members we may not know about. Good Job Renee.

  2. DR. PATRICIA BENNETT – March 2, 2020 – Via EMAIL – I am old enough to remember the contributions of A.D. King to the civil rights movement. The “X” generation (ages 40 to 45) and the millennial (around 30 yrs of age) have no clue as to his identity. The world knew how Martin was killed; however, the actual causation of AD King’s death was highly questionable and remains unsolved to this day. A.D. marched on the front lines of the movement alongside of his wife Naomi, brother, Martin and Coretta.

    He too was physically attacked and his home bombed. Yet his name is not a household mention like Martin. His body was found in a swimming pool, but how did it get there? A drowning without water in the lungs? Pathologically impossible. The world follows the media. Martin, Abernathy, Hosea, Lowery, Rosa and others were not alone in the fight.

    The AD Foundation and the work of photojournalists like you will help to voice his legacy. What will happen when the baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1965) are gone? Who will remember AD besides his family? Our memories cannot be “selective.” We must never forget the “foot soldiers” because “the struggle continues.” Well done. Dr. Patricia Bennett

  3. Awesome article! Credit well-deserved attributed to Rev A D King who sacrificed his life for the freedom of all Americans. His house in Birmingham was bombed, his office Church in Louisville was bombed, he lost an eye in Selma bloody Sunday, and he was murdered in his home in Atlanta. Dr. Naomi King, thank you for preserving the legacy of your iconic civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. A D Williams King.

  4. DR. PATRICIA BENNETT – March 2, 2020 – Via EMAIL – OMG. Article was fabulous. I sent this to my friend, Mary. We discussed it last night.

  5. BIVIAN PAGE – March 2, 2020 – Via EMAIL – Renee, this a great articles. You have done a outstanding job of capturing our history and the legacy of A.D. King. Beautiful pictures………. Renee Sudderth, You ROCK!! 😊 Have a great day.

  6. CONSTANT “CONNIE” BRYANT – Feb 29, 2020 – Via EMAIL – You are AWESOME Cousin RENEE!
    And the absolute best Relevant Journalist In REAL-TIME EVER🏅🎖🥇🏆🏵🥈🥉Thank you for all the Great Stories that’s needed to be TOLD❤️

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