‘He was intelligent:’ New film celebrates MLK’s legacy, highlights connection to Eastern Shore

OCEAN CITY, Md. – “He was attractive in that he was intelligent, extremely courteous,” Eagleson said.

That’s how 92-year-old La Verne Eagleson of Berlin described Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

She and King met on a Sunday afternoon in a cafeteria in Boston. The two briefly dated before his activism and marriage to Coretta Scott King. “He was well dressed. I mean he had on a 3-piece suit, and it didn’t come from Penny’s,” Eagleson.

“Of course, after he died and was killed that was very sad. I really felt that.”

A portrait of Eagleson, her first husband, and the Kings is the focus of the new film “The Boston Photograph”. It was shown Saturday as part of the Art League of Ocean City’s open house reception ahead of the MLK holiday. “We wanted to do something that would bring attention to Dr. King’s legacy and also two the local connections here on the shore,” OC Art League Executive Director Rina Thaler said.

“And then I started talking to my dad and I knew my dad did lectures and talking about Martin Luther King because he and Martin were classmates. He said oh can I have a copy of this and I sure. Soon he started using them in his lectures and presentations. Thats how I think it got online,” Eagleson’s Daughter Jocelyn Briddell said.

In addition to “The Boston Photograph,” three other films were shown including one that pays tribute to Berlin native Rev. Dr. Charles Tindley. Tindley was the musical composer responsible for “We Shall Overcome,” the anthem of the movement Dr. King led.

Eagleson was a music student when she met King and faced much adversity on her journey to use her gift, one she still uses today. “I can still stand up and carry a tune. It’s a different voice now. I also sang for my granddaughter’s wedding,” Eagelson said.

Eagleson describes King as brilliant and a man who persevered, traits she would pass down to her daughter. “For me, I love seeing her being celebrated,” Briddell said.

“I’m so grateful for the gifts that both my parents have given me in terms of understanding humanity.”

“The Boston Photograph” has also been accepted in the 2023 Ocean City Film Festival which will be held in March.