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Stockbridge celebrates Martin Luther King Sr. as world mourns his son

Stockbridge display at City Hall celebrates life of native son, Martin Luther King Sr., father of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

Credit: City of Stockbridge

Credit: City of Stockbridge

Stockbridge display at City Hall celebrates life of native son, Martin Luther King Sr., father of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.
By Leon Stafford
April 4, 2018

As the nation mourns civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his slaying, Stockbridge officials have installed a small memorial to his father.

Photos and replicas of glasses and writings of Stockbridge native Martin Luther King Sr. have been put on display at the Henry County town’s City Hall.

Daddy King was the person who influenced King Jr. to become a civil rights activist and to become a minister," said, Kira Harris-Braggs, Stockbridge Main Street director. "We take pride in not only the Daddy King heritage here but also the heritage as it connects to King Jr. as well."

The elder King, whose birth name was Michael King, lived in Stockbridge until 1918, when he left  to follow his dream of a career in the ministry. In 2016, Stockbridge named a bridge on a portion of Ga. Highway 42 in King Sr.’s honor.

About the Author

Leon Stafford covers south metro government

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