TRUE CHANGE BEGINs WITH SERVICE

What does Realize the Dream mean to Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King?

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What difference can you make?

The power of service to generate billions of dollars in impact

One hour of volunteering creates nearly $30 of social value.* If we achieve 100 million hours of service by the 100th anniversary of Dr. King’s birth, it translates to an estimated $3 billion in impact and change!

Rekindling the dream of every American

By engaging millions of educators, students, employees and NGOs, we’re building a powerful network of change-makers committed to realizing the Beloved Community and driving impact coast to coast.

*Source: Value of Volunteer Time report – Independent sector, with the Do Good Institute – estimated value of a volunteer hour at $30.

who is helping to realize the dream?

+2M
Educators in America and around the world
+7M
Next generation change makers
10M
Employees and their families through corporate partnerships
500+
Alliances with non-profits across the nation
Inspired to Help?

Service has the power to generate empathy, satisfaction and lesson depression.

Studies show that individuals engaged in service tend to experience greater life satisfaction, more empathy and less depression. Imagine the impact if millions join in service to honor Dr. King's legacy.

96%
People who volunteer regularly report feeling happier
29%
Increase student academic achievement and engagement
65%
Higher levels of social trust in communities with higher levels of volunteerism

*Source: Value of Volunteer Time report – Independent sector, with the Do Good Institute – estimated value of a volunteer hour at $30.

Volunteering and service to others is not just about helping those in need; it’s also about building bridges and fostering understanding between people. It’s an opportunity to step outside our comfort zones and connect with others on a deeper, more meaningful level.

- Martin Luther King III & Arndrea Waters King
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Meet Martin, Arndrea and Yolanda

Martin Luther King III

The oldest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III is a thought leader on the world stage.
With the astounding display of social injustice, violence and confusion in recent years, perhaps at no other time in contemporary history has our world needed the clear-thinking and solutions-oriented voice of civil rights advocate and global humanitarian Martin Luther King III.  

From speaking to thousands at the August 2020 March on Washington to his dozens of arrests during peaceful protests, Martin is shepherding the healing of our nation and the world, connecting the important lessons of the past with the critical needs of our future and motivating a new generation of authentic leaders.  

As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III is a thought leader on the world stage, a peacemaker, and a negotiator on some of today's most critical national and international platforms for social change.  

Amplifying his father's work, Martin has devoted his life to promoting global human rights and eradicating racism, violence and poverty, earning a reputation as a respected international statesman and one of the world's most passionate advocates for the poor and oppressed.  

With his logical approach to problem-solving, he asks: "If we can live a day in peace, why can't we live a week in peace? If we can live a week in peace, why can't we live a month? If we can live a month, why not a year? And if we can achieve a year, why not a lifetime?"
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Arndrea Waters King

Arndrea Waters King has dedicated herself to public service as a leader in the global fight against inequity, injustice and hate crimes.
Arndrea Waters King has dedicated herself to public service as a passionate leader in the global fight against inequity, injustice, hate crimes and all forms of pain. Throughout her life, Arndrea has consistently worked on behalf of those who have been marginalized by helping them find – and collectively use – their voices for change.

Arndrea is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta. Soon after graduation, she joined the Center for Democratic Renewal, an organization founded and headed by Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian, a lieutenant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During her tenure, Arndrea organized the first National Conference on Hate Crimes and Hate Violence with over 100 national partners.

She played a key role in mobilizing the Georgia Hate Crimes Act and prepared major reports and publications, including the landmark “When Hate Comes to Town: Faith Based Edition.” Arndrea also helped organize marches and rallies that led to the building of a major multiracial collaboration known as the Southern Coalition Against Racism and Bigotry.

In 2006, Arndrea married Martin Luther King III. Together, they have championed several nonviolence and social change initiatives, designing programs to advance understanding and activism. Arndrea is a strong supporter of youth activism and believes in helping young people take a peaceful, effective stand for the world issues that concern them most.

Arndrea was instrumental in the partnership with JP Morgan Chase to restore, preserve, and digitize the archives of the King Center. Her support for the Atlanta community includes serving as a board member on the Historic District Development Committee and the Atlanta International School.

Currently, as president of the Drum Major Institute (DMI), Arndrea plays a critical role in creating strategic partnerships and managing the daily operations of this active social justice organization. A nonprofit founded over 60 years ago, the Drum Major Institute has provided Arndrea a platform from which to contribute to the Kingian legacy and encourage individuals to embrace their unique contribution to peace, justice, and equity for all.
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Yolanda Renée King

Yolanda Renée King is the sole grandchild of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King – and is just as passionate.
Born on May 25, 2008, in Atlanta to Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King. Yolanda Renee King is the sole grandchild of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King. She was named in honor of her aunt, Yolanda Denise King, who died a little more than a year before she was born.

As a young activist, Yolanda has earned the respect and admiration of her generation for her outspoken support of the ongoing work to fulfill the great dream her grandfather shared with America. She has passionately addressed mass gatherings in protests against gun violence, homelessness and inhumane treatment of refugees seeking asylum on the U.S. southern border.

She has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News and other national media outlets to help carry on the mission her grandfather gave his life for so many years ago. Although both of her parents are energetic social reform activists, they have encouraged her to follow her heart in choosing a career while being a caring and compassionate person. Yolanda Renee has chosen to become a life-long human rights activist in her own right while leaving open options for her future.
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New for 2025: Inspired by the movement, an exciting book and podcast

Your guide to a more fulfilling future!

Written by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King and legacy architects Marc and Craig Kielburger in conjunction with Realize the Dream, What Is My Legacy? kicks off an essential conversation on how we can achieve fulfillment – and collective change.  

MORE ABOUT BOOKS

A weekly dose of inspiration

Hosted by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger and Craig Kielburger, the My Legacy podcast and syndicated radio show series explores what it means to create and live a legacy through the experiences of notable guests.

Start your journey here

behind the dream

Realize the Dream is an initiative of the Martin Luther King III Foundation

Martin Luther King III Foundation is an organization dedicated to building up to a new culture of compassion, trust, dignity, acceptance and love through ideas, words and insights. Leading the way in representing the three values: justice, equity and peace.  

Martin Luther King III on the Beloved Community

Arndrea Waters King on the power of love

What it takes to Realize the Dream:

Learn how we can address the root causes of division and build a united, empowered society.

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