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.
“Forgiveness matters, but it’s also important to seek forgiveness,” Atkinson said during his speech. “And seeking forgiveness is not passive. “Seeking forgiveness means restorative justice, telling the truth, repairing the harm and changing what caused it.”
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’s 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’s 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.
“I saw a program called ‘Eyes on the Prize’,” he said. “Through 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.”
Watch Atkinson’s full speech on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change’s YouTube channel.