Although we celebrate African-American contributions and innovation year-round, February is the designated time to honor African-Americans and acknowledge those who paved the way for today’s black pioneers.
Many men and women of color are highlighted and noted for their enduring strengths and uncompromising desire to make a lasting impact in their society. Coretta Scott King is significant to the evolution of black people and black women alike because she is a monument.
Throughout her lifetime, she consistently made an effort to change the way American society treated African-Americans. She was an outstanding example of an overachiever and a positive example for black women.
Coretta Scott King, wife of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., led a life of her own and made many contributions to African-American history. Though many associate the late Coretta Scott King with her husband and his legacy, she too left a legacy that established her as an activist and outstanding representation of a persevering black woman.
She was a pillar in her home as a supportive wife and devoted mother but also in her political acts.
Aside from her notable accomplishments, Coretta is more than honorable simply because she proved to be a strong black woman. Even when her beloved husband was assassinated in 1968, she found courage to continue living, and she made a profound difference.
Many are unaware, but she was the driving force behind her husband’s birthday being recognized as a national holiday. Wanting to encourage change and continue Rev. King’s legacy, Mrs. King founded The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change in Atlanta.
She often wrote columns and was a frequent CNN commentator. Her determination to improve life for colored people did not diminish when her husband died, which is more than commendable.
Coretta Scott King died on Jan. 30, 2006. She was 78. Over 14,000 people, including several former presidents, attended her funeral. She is now laid to rest next to her husband at the King Center in Atlanta where she requested to be buried.