Coretta Scott King: A Legacy Of Activism And Change

Coretta Scott King (1927-2006) was not only the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. but also a prominent civil rights activist in her own right. Her remarkable journey began in Marion, Alabama, where she was born. Coretta's life was marked by her unyielding commitment to social justice, equality, and nonviolence, which she pursued alongside her husband throughout the civil rights movement.

Who Was Coretta Scott King?

Coretta Scott King met her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., while they were both students in Boston, Massachusetts. Their partnership became a powerful force in the civil rights movement, as Coretta worked alongside her husband, advocating for justice and equality. After Martin Luther King Jr.'s tragic assassination in 1968, she took on the mantle of leadership, founding the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and successfully lobbying for his birthday to be recognized as a federal holiday. Coretta passed away in 2006 due to complications from ovarian cancer, leaving behind a rich legacy of activism.

Early Life

Born on April 27, 1927, in Marion, Alabama, Coretta grew up in a nurturing environment that encouraged her talents. She was not only known for her activism but also for her exceptional singing and violin skills. After graduating as valedictorian from Lincoln High School in 1945, she pursued her education at Antioch College in Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in music and education in 1951. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for her future activism.

Meeting Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1952, Coretta was awarded a fellowship to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she met Martin Luther King Jr., who was then a doctoral candidate at Boston University’s School of Theology. Their connection blossomed into a profound partnership, culminating in their marriage on June 18, 1953, at her family home in Marion, Alabama. This union marked the beginning of their collaborative efforts in the civil rights movement.

Role as a Pastor's Wife

After completing her degree in voice and violin in 1954, Coretta moved with her husband to Montgomery, Alabama, where he served as the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. In this role, she took on the responsibilities traditionally expected of a pastor's wife, supporting her husband while also engaging in her own activism. Coretta's contributions during this time were essential as they navigated the challenges of the civil rights movement together.

Civil Rights Activist

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Coretta Scott King was a key figure in the civil rights movement. She actively participated in significant events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, and traveled internationally to promote peace and justice. Her efforts included a pilgrimage to India in 1959, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of nonviolent resistance, and advocating for the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Establishing Her Own Legacy

While Coretta is often recognized for her partnership with Martin Luther King Jr., she also carved out her own path as an activist. She served as a public mediator and a liaison to peace and justice organizations, emphasizing the importance of women's voices in the struggle for civil rights. Her activism extended beyond U.S. borders, as she campaigned against apartheid in South Africa and advocated for various social causes.

Impact on Future Generations

Coretta’s commitment to civil rights and social justice left a lasting impact. She worked tirelessly to ensure that her husband’s legacy continued, founding the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in 1968. Her leadership at the center and her efforts in promoting King’s teachings have inspired countless individuals and organizations to pursue equality and justice.

Death of MLK

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while standing on a balcony outside of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. This shocking event deeply affected Coretta and the nation. Just days later, she led a march through Memphis in honor of her husband's planned demonstration to support striking sanitation workers, showcasing her strength and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Continuing the Mission After His Death

Following her husband's death, Coretta Scott King remained a vital force for change. She founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, serving as its president and CEO. Her dedication extended to creating the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, where she worked to preserve her husband's legacy and promote his ideals of peace and justice.

Advocacy and Public Engagement

Coretta continued to be an active voice in various social issues, including her strong opposition to apartheid and her contributions as a columnist and CNN contributor. Her advocacy led to the establishment of Martin Luther King Day as a federal holiday in 1983, a milestone that honored her husband’s contributions to civil rights.

Legacy and Family

In 1995, Coretta passed the leadership of the King Center to her son Dexter but remained influential in the public sphere. Even in her later years, she called for justice in her husband’s assassination case, advocating for a retrial for James Earl Ray, who had been convicted of the crime. Coretta’s commitment to her family's mission and her husband's legacy was unwavering.

Death and Funeral

Coretta Scott King suffered a heart attack and stroke in August 2005, leading to her passing on January 30, 2006, while seeking treatment for ovarian cancer in Mexico. She was 78 years old. Her funeral was held on February 7, 2006, at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, attended by thousands, including notable figures like U.S. Presidents and civil rights leaders.

Personal Life and Family

Coretta was the author of the memoir My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr., published in 1969. Together with her husband, she raised four children: Yolanda Denise, Martin Luther III, Dexter Scott, and Bernice Albertine. The surviving children continue to manage the King Center and uphold their father’s legacy.

Interesting Facts

• Coretta was an accomplished musician, known for her singing and violin skills.
• She won a fellowship to the New England Conservatory of Music, where she studied.
• Coretta actively participated in the civil rights movement alongside her husband.

Key Takeaways