MRS. CORETTA SCOTT KING!

atlantablackstar(photo credit)

Coretta Scott King was born April 27, 1927 in Heiberger, Alabama. She initially attended elementary in a one room schoolhouse, but was later bused to Lincoln High School where she graduated as valedictorian in 1945. She excelled in music and played the trumpet, piano, and sang in the choir many times appearing as the soloist. She went on to study music at Antioch College in Ohio and earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in music and education.
Her stand on racial issues were strong even while she attended college. Coretta was denied the opportunity to practice teaching at Yellow Springs schools while attending Antioch College. She took her complaint all the way to the president of the college, but was denied. It was advised that she go apply to black schools in local towns. She declined and decided on working in the Antioch laboratory. 

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Coretta received a grant and scholarship to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and worked as a housekeeper to pay for her expenses.

That year she met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Boston University and the two begin dating, but it wouldn't be long before they would speak of marriage. She was married June 18, 1953 and received her second degree in violin and voice shortly after.

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syndicjournals(photo credit)

Coretta Scott King became an American civil rights activist and the wife of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. She worked side by side with her husband and played a very strong role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Coretta was a very prestigious wife. She took care of their four children as well as offer support to Dr. King in his quest to promote equal rights for everyone. Following her husband's death she founded the Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mrs. King carried on her husband's legacy as well as his leadership role and spoke for him at the March on Washington. Coretta passed away in August of 2005 holding the title of one of the most respected and infuential women of all time.


Reference: New Georgia Encyclopedia

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