Coretta Scott King
- Born:
- April 27, 1927, Heiberger, Alabama, USA
- Died:
- January 30, 2006, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Civil Rights Activist, Author, Lecturer
Early Life and Education
- Born on a farm in rural Alabama during the Jim Crow era.
- Valedictorian of her graduating class at Lincoln High School in Marion, Alabama.
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and education from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
- Received a scholarship to study voice and violin at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
Career and Major Achievements
- Met and married Martin Luther King Jr. in 1953.
- Became a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, actively participating in marches and demonstrations.
- Traveled extensively, speaking out against racial injustice and advocating for peace and equality.
- Founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia, to preserve her husband's legacy and promote nonviolent activism.
- Successfully lobbied for the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday.
- Served as a United Nations public delegate.
Notable Works
- My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr. (Autobiography, 1969)
- My Love, My Life, My Legacy (Memoir, 2005)
Legacy and Impact
Coretta Scott King was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a tireless advocate for peace, equality, and social justice. She played a crucial role in preserving the legacy of her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., and inspiring future generations of activists. Works such as the "charles darwin children's biography of coretta" and similar projects help ensure her story is known for years to come.
Awards and Recognition
Award | Year |
---|---|
Gandhi Peace Prize | 1994 |
Congressional Gold Medal | 2004 |