A Tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King

Written especially for the Fourth Graders at
Irving Park Elementary School, Greensboro, NC

I met Mrs. Coretta Scott King nearly three years ago in Atlanta, GA. I was humbled and gratified to be in her presence. I shared with her the pain and anguish I felt over the assassination of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I was in high school when he was murdered and I still have a vivid memory of that day. We talked about my feelings of loss and my concern for her and her children. I have always wondered why the people who killed Medgar Evers, John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, and Robert F. Kennedy felt they needed to engage in such violence. That has haunted me since I was a child. I shared with her my deep appreciation for her work, her sacrifices, and her continued involvement in the struggle for civil rights around the world. She gave me a hug!!!

When I learned of her death I felt, and still feel, such deep sadness. As I examine my own thoughts and read what others have spoken and written, I realize that Mrs. King was a truly remarkable woman. She was the epitome of grace, strength, beauty, and courage. She lived the courage of her convictions. She sacrificed her personal life to publicly support the continuing struggle for civil rights, equal rights, and an end to oppression and poverty both in the United States and around the world. She was an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq and she stalwartly refused to allow us to believe that the dream she shared with her husband had been fulfilled.

I appreciate Coretta Scott King for giving of herself. I appreciate her for rearing her family while maintaining a positive and proactive public presence. I admire her for pursuing policies and programs that benefited the larger society rather than a privileged few. She was fearless—a sorely needed attribute. She was a woman of character and integrity. She had scruples and she had ruth. She cared about people and her life’s work reflected the depth of that caring and compassion. She was kind and selfless. She believed in America and she campaigned tirelessly to hold our government accountable. She had the ear of presidents and politically powerful people from around the world, yet she never held elective office or a leadership position in any organization. She was Coretta Scott King, keeper of the dream and widow of Martin Luther King, Jr.

I loved Coretta Scott King. I am so glad that I met her. She lit up my world and I miss her. My commitment to her memory is to continue to support the struggle, embrace the dream and participate in the affairs of my country. With pen in hand I will write about the good, the bad, the ugly and the indifferent. I’ll write to give hope, be hope and share the hopes, dreams and aspirations of everyone I can. Thank you, Mrs. King.