Women's History Month: Spotlight on Coretta Scott King

When I attended college, worked and lived in Atlanta, Georgia, I was blessed to meet so many celebrities, political figures and activists . One person who left me totally in awe was Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Yes...THAT Coretta Scott King. 

When I worked at CNN (Cable News Network) in Atlanta, everyday there would be a well-known personality walking into the building. At that time, Mrs. King would come to CNN to record a weekly commentary related to a current event or a "hot topic" that had the public's interest. One week when Mrs. King arrived I was determined to meet her, but I was so nervous. This was the wife of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She had marched along side him, survived their house being fire-bombed, kept her head held high as she was subjected to extreme violence and racist name calling. Unimaginable things that I don't think I could have handled with the style and grace she exhibited.  This was Civil Rights Royalty. On the day she arrived, I mustered up the courage, walked up to her and introduced myself. I wish I could remember exactly what I said, but I was so nervous I'm sure I sounded like a babbling idiot. Whatever I said, she was so friendly. So from that time on, when she would finish her recording, we would talk. We eventually become so comfortable chatting, she invited me to volunteer in her office at the King Center. I'd go every week and help, answer the phone or file some paperwork. Just being in her presence made me think "Wow! I know Mrs. Coretta Scott King and she knows me"! I learned so much being in her presence. After everything she had experienced, she was always thinking how she could help someone else. And despite her fame and notoriety, she was so welcoming and kind. So approachable and just a lovely person. 

And Mrs. King continued the work. She designed the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, that was dedicated in 1982, located in Atlanta. The King Center continues today as an international sight where history is shared about the past Civil Rights Movement with resources to encourage the next generation of leaders to continue the fight into the future. Mrs. King was also the reason Dr. King has a federal holiday; first observed in 1986. She could have had a musical career, because she had a beautiful voice. She earned a scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. However, she chose a life as an amazing wife, mother and leader, and continued to keep the dream alive and inspire others to achieve their dreams. I loved Mrs. King. She was beautiful and brilliant. Mrs King became a mentor and a friend and I miss her very much. 

For more information on Coretta Scott King, find books at your local library.