Coretta Scott King, African-American activist and author (d. 2006)

Coretta Scott King, born Coretta Scott on April 27, 1927, and passing away on January 30, 2006, was far more than simply the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was a formidable American author, activist, and civil rights leader in her own right, whose contributions to social justice spanned several decades and movements. Often referred to as the "First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement," her life was a testament to courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to equality and nonviolence.

Born in Marion, Alabama, Coretta Scott King's early life was marked by her prodigious talent for music. She studied at Antioch College in Ohio before pursuing her passion for vocal performance at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she earned a degree in music education. It was in Boston, while attending graduate school, that she met a young theology student named Martin Luther King Jr., who was pursuing his doctorate at Boston University. Their meeting in the early 1950s blossomed into a partnership that would profoundly shape American history, intertwining their personal lives with the burgeoning struggle for civil rights.

A Voice for Justice: Before and During the Movement

Even before her husband rose to national prominence, Coretta Scott King was an active participant in the civil rights struggle. As a trained soprano, she ingeniously integrated her musical talents into her activism, performing "Freedom Concerts" that blended poetry, narration, and spirituals. These concerts served not only to uplift and inspire but also to raise funds for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and other civil rights organizations. Her performances were not mere entertainment; they were powerful tools for advocacy, conveying the movement's message and stirring the hearts of audiences across the nation.

Throughout the intense years of the 1960s, Coretta Scott King stood as a pillar of strength and support for her husband. She was present at pivotal moments, participated in marches, and used her platform to advocate for African-American equality. Her quiet strength and intellectual partnership with Dr. King Jr. were crucial, often serving as a sounding board for his strategies and speeches. Their home in Montgomery and later Atlanta became a hub for activists and leaders, a crucible where the principles of nonviolent resistance were forged.

Continuing the Legacy: After 1968

The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968 was a devastating blow, yet it did not diminish Coretta Scott King's resolve. Instead, she stepped into the forefront of the struggle, demonstrating remarkable leadership and grace during a period of immense national grief and turmoil. She immediately took on the mantle of her husband’s unfinished work, asserting her own powerful voice for racial equality and peace. Her commitment extended beyond civil rights to embrace the burgeoning Women's Movement, recognizing the interconnectedness of various struggles for human dignity.

One of her most significant achievements was the establishment of The King Center (The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change) in Atlanta, Georgia, shortly after her husband's death. This institution was founded to preserve his papers and promote his philosophy and methodology of nonviolent social change globally. More than just an archive, the King Center became a living memorial and an active force for education and social justice.

Coretta Scott King also embarked on a tireless campaign to establish her husband’s birthday as a national holiday. For years, she lobbied Congress, rallied public support, and spoke passionately about the importance of honoring Dr. King’s legacy with a federal day of observance. Her perseverance finally paid off when President Ronald Reagan signed legislation on November 2, 1983, officially designating Martin Luther King, Jr., Day as a national holiday, a profound moment of recognition for his enduring contributions to America.

Her activism was not confined to her husband's legacy or racial equality. Coretta Scott King broadened her scope to champion a wide array of human rights issues. She became an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, asserting that the struggle for gay and lesbian equality was a natural extension of the civil rights movement’s fight for universal human dignity. She was also a vocal opponent of apartheid in South Africa, traveling there and lending her powerful voice to the international movement against racial segregation.

Political Influence and Final Years

Throughout her life, Coretta Scott King cultivated relationships with numerous influential politicians, both before and after her husband's death. She was known to be friends with figures such as John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Robert F. Kennedy. One notable instance of her political influence occurred during the intensely contested 1960 presidential election. When Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed in Georgia, Coretta Scott King, then pregnant, received a compassionate telephone call from Senator John F. Kennedy. This phone call, and Robert F. Kennedy’s subsequent actions to secure Dr. King’s release, are widely credited by historians for significantly mobilizing African-American voters to support Kennedy, playing a crucial role in his narrow victory.

In her later years, Coretta Scott King continued her work, though her health began to decline. In August 2005, she suffered a stroke that paralyzed her right side and rendered her unable to speak. Five months later, she passed away on January 30, 2006, at the age of 78, due to respiratory failure stemming from complications related to ovarian cancer.

Her funeral was a national event, attended by approximately 10,000 people, including four of the five living U.S. presidents at the time: George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter. Initially, she was temporarily interred on the grounds of The King Center. Later, her remains were moved to be permanently interred beside her beloved husband.

Coretta Scott King received numerous accolades and honors throughout her life and posthumously. She was inducted into both the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame and the National Women's Hall of Fame. In a historic tribute, she became the first African American and the second woman to lie in state at the Georgia State Capitol, a testament to her profound impact on her state and the nation. Her legacy as a leading figure in the American civil rights movement and a tireless advocate for peace and justice remains an inspiration.

FAQs About Coretta Scott King

What was Coretta Scott King's role in the Civil Rights Movement before her husband's assassination?
Before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, Coretta Scott King was an active and crucial participant in the movement. She organized and performed "Freedom Concerts" to raise funds and awareness, provided invaluable intellectual and emotional support to her husband, participated in marches and demonstrations, and used her platform to advocate for racial equality and nonviolence.
What is The King Center, and what is its mission?
The King Center, officially known as The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, was founded by Coretta Scott King in Atlanta, Georgia. Its mission is to preserve the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to educate the world about his philosophy and methods of nonviolent social change, and to inspire new generations to work for freedom, justice, and peace.
How did Coretta Scott King contribute to establishing Martin Luther King, Jr., Day?
Coretta Scott King was the driving force behind the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day as a national holiday. For years after her husband's death, she led a persistent campaign, lobbying Congress, mobilizing public support, and speaking across the country until President Ronald Reagan signed the legislation in 1983, making it a federal observance.
What other causes did Coretta Scott King champion beyond racial equality?
Coretta Scott King broadened her activism to include a wide range of human rights issues. She was a strong advocate for women's rights, actively participating in the Women's Movement. She also championed LGBTQ+ rights, drawing parallels between their struggle and the fight for racial equality. Additionally, she was a vocal opponent of apartheid in South Africa, taking her message to the international stage.
Where is Coretta Scott King buried?
Coretta Scott King is interred next to her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on the grounds of The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She was temporarily buried there after her death before being permanently laid to rest beside him.