Contact: Dianne Rogers, 614-414-8807

CHICAGO, June 24, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alveda C. King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Director of African American Outreach for Priests for Life paused today while on a book tour for her newly released KING RULES to honor her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife Coretta, both recipients of a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal, awarded today during a special ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Responding to the announcement that her parents would receive the Congressional Gold Medal, Bernice A. King, said "We are deeply honored that my father and mother, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, are being given this award in recognition of their tireless and sacrificial leadership to advance freedom and justice through nonviolence in our nation. It is fitting that the award will be presented by the U.S. Congress as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was a cornerstone reform on America's journey to racial justice."

For more than two centuries the Congressional Gold Medal has been one of the most distinguished honors bestowed by the Congress. Since 1776, the award has also been given to such diverse individuals as George Washington; Mother Theresa; Dorothy Height; Rosa Parks; Thomas Edison; Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; President Nelson Mandela; the Dalai Lama; Dr. Jonas Salk and many others.

"This honor is fitting as it gives credence to the dream of not only Dr. MLK, but to our entire family. In my book KING RULES, with my grandfather Daddy King, my father AD King and my Uncle MLK on the cover, I share memories of my uncle and our family. I too share the dream and in this 21st Century I pronounce – I too have a dream, that white people, and black people, all ethnic groups, all political wings, all human beings will unite in "The Beloved Community," and honor the sanctity of all life, born and unborn.