Bernice King calls for MLK's legacy to be taught in full, not just the "comfortable part"

"We have to continue to be resolute in teaching the whole King."
 By 
Amanda Yeo
 on 
Bernice King on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Watch Next

Martin Luther King Jr. Day has already come and gone this year, but the issues this national holiday highlights remain relevant all year round. On the latest episode of The Daily Show, host Trevor Noah spoke to minister Bernice King about her parents' legacy, and how her father's principles are so often misrepresented.

"In your lifetime you saw your father go from being one of the most hated men in America to now being one of the most beloved men in America, but ironically almost not because he's changed but because people have changed what he stood for," said Noah.

"I never heard it put that way," said King. "Yeah, because we have an affinity for dead and deceased leaders. They're more comfortable when they're no longer with us because they are not able to influence the masses in the same way. It's kind of like good and evil. When you have something that's so powerful and revolutionary like that, people do want to kind of find the easy, comfortable part of it. And I agree with you that that has happened, and that's why we have to continue to be resolute in teaching the whole King."

Recommended deals for you

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $238.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $99.99 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $399.99 (List Price $449.00)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $114.98

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $69.99

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $399.00

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell   — $189.99 (List Price $259.98)

Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Amanda Yeo
Amanda Yeo
Assistant Editor

Amanda Yeo is an Assistant Editor at Mashable, covering entertainment, culture, tech, science, and social good. Based in Australia, she writes about everything from video games and K-pop to movies and gadgets.


More from Mashable Voices
AI mental healthcare is here. Can it help people — or cause more problems?
Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, Talkspace’s Chief Medical Officer.

Making the case for minority-owned media in the Trump era
By DéVon Christopher Johnson
DéVon Christopher Johnson

We didn't grow up on social media. We grew up on digital nicotine.
By Lennon Torres
A child scrolls on a smartphone.

The NAACP is fighting back against AI data centers
Construction on the xAI data center in Memphis.

Secrets from 7 tech and career experts on how to get hired in 2026
Tech jobs 2026

Latest Videos
Mashable's Best Prime Big Deal Days Deals (Hands-On Showcase)
Prime Big Deal Days deals

Jimmy Kimmel has a scathing message for Fox News on its 30th birthday
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, grinning, The caption at the bottom reads, "What do you get for the network that ruined everything?"





Jon Stewart has an aggressive 5-minute argument with Meta's Muse during AI deep dive
A man in a suit points his finger at the camera. A small white creature is visible on his desk.

Kodiak's self-driving trucks are hitting the highways, and I took a ride in one
Kodiak self-driving trucks

Meet the first ever humanoid robot surgeon
humanoid robot surgeon

Apple’s health age test doesn’t hold back (oof)
Apple Health Age test

Apple’s 2026 Mac desktop lineup tested: We break down all four options
Apple 2026 Mac desktop lineup