Full name | Coretta Scott King |
Born | April 27, 1927 in Heiberger, Alabama |
Died | January 30, 2006 in Rosarito Beach, Mexico |
Cause of death | Complications from ovarian cancer |
Resting place | The King Center, Atlanta, Georgia |
Occupation | Civil rights activist |
Spouse | Martin Luther King, Jr. |
Children | Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter, Bernice |
Awards | Congressional Gold Medal, Gandhi Peace Prize, more |
Website | The King Center |
Coretta Scott King was far more than just the wife of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. In her own right, she was a powerful activist and leader who dedicated her life to advancing racial equality, economic justice, and human rights.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1927 in Alabama, Coretta Scott‘s talent for singing and passion for social justice blossomed at an early age…
Marriage to MLK Jr.
Coretta married Martin Luther King Jr. in 1953, and the couple became an unstoppable force in the civil rights movement…
Continuing the Fight for Justice
Even after her husband‘s assassination in 1968, Coretta persevered and continued their fight for justice. She led marches, gave speeches, wrote books, and founded The King Center in Atlanta.
Final Years and Legacy
Coretta Scott King died on January 30, 2006 at the age of 78, after a remarkable lifetime dedicated to positive change. She was a powerful voice for justice even when trailblazing women leaders faced immense challenges.
As a long-time admirer of Coretta, I‘m amazed at how she endured threats, harassment, and unimaginable grief over her husband‘s death, yet persevered in the struggle that defined her life. She was a living symbol of grace, wisdom, and moral courage.
Coretta‘s incredible determination and quiet strength enabled so many advances in civil liberties and human rights that we enjoy today. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through her children and The King Center, which continues to train new generations of activists and organizers.
Simply put, Coretta Scott King was a giant of the civil rights movement. America owes her a debt of gratitude for her sacrifices and commitment to fulfilling her husband‘s dream.