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*Images removed by ThinkQuest* |
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Coretta Scott King was born on April 27, 1927. She grew up on a family farm in Marion Alabama. Throughout her childhood, Coretta was encouraged to excel in her school work. She graduated high school and from there go to the Antioch College in Ohio, just like her older sister. There she would receive her B.A. in music and elementary education. She was a very talented musician and made her concert debut in 1948 performing with the Second Baptist Church. She enrolled in 1951 at Boston's New England Conservatory of Music where she met her future husband, Martin Luther King Jr. The couple was married near the Scott’s home town. During her husband’s political career, she mainly focused on raising their four children, although she did serve as a voice instructor for some time. During the 1950’s and 60’s Coretta would accompany Martin Luther King Jr. to many of his major civil rights events. After his speeches, Mrs. King would sing spirituals for the audience. In the mid-1960s, Coretta King's involvement in the civil rights movement increased as she performed freedom concerts, which consisted of poetry recitation, singing, and lectures demonstrating the history of the civil rights movement. The proceeds were donated to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.In 1968 Martin was assassinated and Coretta decided devote her life to continuing her husband struggle against racism, and injustice. She would also build a museum to honor Dr. King’s life and write an autobiography titled, My Life with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. By the 1980’s she was one of the most visible and influential African-American leaders, often delivering speeches and writing newspaper columns. One of her most noticeable achievements was establishing a national holiday honoring her husband’s life. "Also notable are Coretta King's speeches at London's St. Paul's Cathedral in 1969 and at Harvard University's Class Day exercises. She was the first woman to speak at each of the events. King has also been involved in various women's organizations such as the National Organization for Women, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and United Church Women." Overall, she was a wonderful woman who triumphed over racial and sexist opinions. |
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"I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation. "
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