Atkinson, associate chaplain for Muslim Life, shared reflections on forgiveness, restorative justice and personal transformation.
Imam Shane Atkinson, associate chaplain for Muslim Life, recently spoke during the 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service in Atlanta.
鈥淔orgiveness matters, but it’s also important to seek forgiveness,鈥 Atkinson said during his speech. 鈥淎nd seeking forgiveness is not passive. 鈥淪eeking forgiveness means restorative justice, telling the truth, repairing the harm and changing what caused it.鈥
Hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, the event celebrated the life and legacy of King, inviting people from diverse backgrounds to reflect on King鈥檚 vision and renew a collective commitment to peace and justice. The service took place at Ebenezer Baptist Church, a central gathering place of the civil rights movement.
In line with the event鈥檚 purpose, Atkinson reflected on his experiences attending an integrated school in Jackson, Mississippi, describing how watching a documentary series about King during that time proved transformative.
鈥淚 saw a program called 鈥楨yes on the Prize鈥,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hrough that series, I encountered the teachings and the sacrifice of Dr. King and my life was changed. His message helped me make sense out of the nonsense around me.鈥
Watch Atkinson鈥檚 full speech on the .