Today In Black History
Coretta Scott King
Photo Credit: Evening Standard/Getty Images
Issue #458 Today In Black History, January 16, 2024
Today’s Black History WOW!
As we celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us also remember his life partner and widow, Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
An extremely talented singer and musician, Mrs. King was born on April 27, 1927, in Heiberger, Alabama, and first crossed paths with Martin Luther King Jr. while studying at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. They were married in 1953, and Coretta Scott King became an integral part of the civil rights movement, standing beside her husband during protests, marches, and speeches. She used her artistic abilities to help spread the message of the civil rights movement, performing at many events and using her voice to inspire and uplift others.
After Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, Coretta Scott King took up the mantle and continued her husband's work. She founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in 1968, which aimed to carry on his legacy of peace, equality, and justice. She tirelessly advocated for racial and gender equality, education, and LGBTQ+ rights throughout her life. Mrs. King was also instrumental in the passage of the official Martin Luther King government holiday.
Coretta Scott King was honored with numerous awards and recognitions throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996. Her tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to justice made her an icon and a role model for generations to come.
Even after her passing on January 30, 2006, Coretta Scott King's legacy continues to inspire and empower people around the world, her advocacy for social justice and her belief in the power of nonviolent protest will hopefully continue to guide us toward a more just and equitable world.
Today’s Black History
- In 1776, the Continental Congress approved President George Washington’s request to enlist free Black men as soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
- In 1920, the Black Greek Letter Organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, was founded on the campus of Howard University.
- In 1941, the U.S. War Department announced the formation of the first Army Air Corps Squadron for Black Cadets.
- In 1975, 3-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali was named the Associated Press (AP) 1974 “Athlete of the Year.”
- In 2006, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was sworn in as president of Liberia, becoming the female elected head of state in Africa.
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