Allison Ericson, Valdosta Today News Director:

ATLANTA — The last time Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Bible was on display was at President Barack Obama’s second oath of office on Jan. 20, 2013. King’s Bible and his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize medal are in the possession of Bernice King, daughter and CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Bernice’s brother, Martin Luther King III and younger brother, Dexter Scott King are now fighting for ownership of the two items. Martin Luther King III and Dexter King are suing their sister with hopes of selling the items to a private buyer.

Bernice King released a statement in February 2014.

“Our father’s most prized possessions…there is no justification for selling either of these sacred items,” Bernice Martin said. “They are priceless and should never be exchanged for money in the marketplace. While I love my brothers dearly, this latest decision by them…reveals a desperation beyond comprehension.” 

Fulton County Superior Court Judge, Robert McBurney will decide the fate of the two items on Jan. 13 in Atlanta, Georgia, or he will let it go to trial. Bernice gave the Atlanta court temporary possession of the Bible and medal till the case is resolved.