Julia Roberts was born in 1967. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. Julia Roberts was born on October 28, 1967; just 160 days later, on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King was murdered. Despite their lives only overlapping for a few months, Dr. King and Julia Roberts shared an amazing bond. The story of the bond between Coretta & Martin Luther King, and Julia Roberts offers two beautiful lessons in kindness.
Julia Roberts was born in Smyrna, Georgia. Her parents, Walter and Betty Roberts,
owned an acting school called the Actors and Writers Workshop. It was a highly regarded and important part of the growing theater community in Atlanta at that time.
One day, Coretta Scott King called Betty Roberts and asked if her children could attend the school. The Kings struggled to find an acting school that would accept their children, even though Atlanta had many fine acting programs. African-American students were not welcome due to the strict segregation of Georgia.
The Kings wanted their children to have the best possible education, and they were delighted when Betty Roberts agreed to accept them into her school. The two families became friends.
When Julia Roberts was born, her parents struggled financially, and the Kings offered to pay her hospital bill.
The act of kindness from the King family was unique for two reasons. First, in the 1960s, it was very rare for white schools to accept black students. The fact that the Roberts were willing to accept the King children into their school was a sign of their courage and commitment to equality.
Second, the Kings chose to use their money to help others instead of living a lavish lifestyle. This shows that they were truly committed to social justice and helping those in need.
Julia Roberts is justifiably proud of her parents for their willingness to act with kindness
even when surrounded by segregationists. She said, “In the ’60s, you didn’t have little Black children interacting with little white kids in acting school. And your parents were like, ‘Come on in.'”
Bernice King is grateful that Julia Roberts talks about the friendship between the King and Roberts families. She said, “I know the story well, but it is moving for me to be reminded of my parents’ generosity and influence.”
Conclusion
The story of Julia Roberts and the King family is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. The Roberts’ willingness to accept the King children into their school was a courageous act that helped to break down racial barriers. The Kings’ generosity in supporting the Roberts family financially shows their commitment to social justice and helping others in need.
Both families are an inspiration to us all. Their actions remind us that we can all make a difference in the world by showing kindness and compassion to others, regardless of their race or background.
Thanks for sharing this inspirational story at a time when all we hear is racism and violence.
Michael,
I knew that you would appreciate it, because that is how you live your life! I hope you’ll consider sharing it with your friends via email, or posting it on Facebook so that we can inspire others to behave with kindness and compassion.
Barry
I have been undoing my late husband, Stanley’s office after his departure of 10 years ago. He was a hoarder of printed materials galore, and amongst the tons of paperwork( some in 12 copies of each!) was a signed program from the Grant Park Concert series, where he was a musician, then personnel manager, and then the manager , has a signed program by Correta Scott King, I recall the program, because I mostly attended every concert, She narrated Lincoln’s Portrait! The boys and I are going to create a scrapbook of all his memorabilia. He was a “One of a Kind” human being, and is still to this day, written about in The Legacy of Stanley Ackerman site, which has 120 participants remembering his uniqueness and talents, Just wanted to share with you. I am still on the mend after four near death hospitalizations! Guess I was written in The Book of Life for another round of experiences on Yom Kippur yesterday…
Wonderful story. Wish we would hear more of these!
Donna,
I agree! How wonderful the both families did such thoughtful service to one another. We all need to do more to help others. They set a great example.
Barry
We need more of these stories to remind us that perhaps there’s more silver lining than cloud over our country.
Neville,
I could not agree more!
One act of kindness begets another!
Hope you will consider sharing the story by email with your friends or posting it on Facebook so that more people can be inspired to act with compassion.
Barry
Just read this heartwarming story of humanity & was deeply moved. Thanks, Barry for sharing this with us.
Evonne,
Given your compassionate and humane nature, I knew the story would appeal to you. I hope you’ll take the time to forward it as an email or posted on a Facebook page, so that we can spread the word. You never know whose actions we might inspire!
Barry