Martin’s Sister

Dr. Christine Farris was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sister. She was one of my teachers when I was a student at Spelman College. I remember the first day of class with Dr. Farris. There were whispers amongst us young students, that our teacher was, indeed, related to the larger-than-life Dr. King whom I had only known through my high school history books and the calendar on Grandma’s kitchen wall. One kid raised her hand and asked, “Did you know Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?” Dr. Farris, who was so regal in her stance, said in a slow, measured tone, “Yeeess. Martin was my younger brother.” We all gasped! We were riveted whenever she would tell us stories of her and brother’s life and how we should all strive for excellence for ourselves and justice for all people. How excited was I when I saw Dr. Farris several years ago at an event at Spelman where I received an award and she was being honored also! She was still as regal as ever! How life comes full circle. Today, I remember both Dr. King and Dr. Farris and their lessons that must be continued today.