Coretta Scott King | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 03, 2025

Who is Coretta Scott King?

Coretta Scott King was an influential civil rights activist and the wife of renowned leader Martin Luther King Jr. Born on April 27, 1927, in Marion, Alabama, she initially gained recognition for her musical talents but ultimately devoted her life to advocating for social justice. Coretta met Martin Luther King Jr. while studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, and they married in 1953. She played a pivotal role alongside her husband in significant civil rights campaigns, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the push for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Throughout the 1950s and "60s, her contributions helped shape the movement’s direction and priorities.

Following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, Coretta Scott King continued to champion his legacy by founding the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. She fought tirelessly for the establishment of Martin Luther King Day as a federal holiday, which was realized in 1983. Coretta remained a vocal advocate for various causes, including opposition to apartheid and support for peace initiatives globally. Her commitment to nonviolent activism and her ability to mobilize support made her a prominent figure in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social equality well into the late 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Coretta Scott King was born on April 27, 1927, in Marion, Alabama, into a loving family that encouraged her musical talents. From an early age, she showed remarkable gifts as a singer and violinist, earning recognition in her community. Coretta attended Lincoln High School, distinguishing herself academically by graduating as the valedictorian in 1945. This early success set the stage for her pursuit of higher education, reflecting her aspirations beyond her Southern roots and into the broader world of arts and social justice.

In pursuit of her passions, Coretta enrolled at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in music and education in 1951. Her commitment to her craft led her to receive a fellowship to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. It was there, while perfecting her skills in voice and violin, that she met Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal encounter that would forever change the course of her life. The couple married in 1953, with Coretta’s education serving as a foundation for her lifelong dedication to activism and civil rights.

Civil Rights Activist Journey

Coretta Scott King was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, renowned for her unwavering dedication to social justice and equality. Born on April 27, 1927, in Marion, Alabama, she emerged as a prominent activist alongside her husband, Martin Luther King Jr. The couple met while studying in Boston, and their shared passion for civil rights became the cornerstone of their lives together. Coretta actively participated in key events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and worked tirelessly to advance legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, amplifying her voice alongside her husband's. She skillfully balanced her role as a musician and an advocate for social change.

After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Coretta continued their mission, founding the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. This institution not only preserved her husband’s legacy but also served as a hub for activists advocating for peace and justice. In her efforts to ensure that King’s birthday would be celebrated as a federal holiday, she successfully lobbied for the recognition that came to fruition in 1983. Coretta's commitment to activism extended beyond U.S. borders, as she protested against apartheid in South Africa and served as a voice for various social justice issues throughout her life. Her legacy as a civil rights leader endures, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality.

Continuing the Mission After His Death

After the assassination of her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King dedicated herself to continuing his mission of peace and social justice. In 1968, she founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia, where she served as president and CEO. This center became a vital resource for education, advocacy, and community engagement focused on King’s principles of nonviolence and equality. Under her leadership, the center grew, becoming a hub for civil rights activism and a symbol of King’s enduring legacy.

Coretta's efforts extended beyond the establishment of the King Center. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which encompasses important landmarks relating to King's life and work. In 1983, her tireless campaigning helped achieve the recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday, a significant milestone in honoring her husband’s legacy and the broader civil rights movement. Coretta Scott King's contributions as an activist continued to resonate, as she advocated against apartheid in South Africa and voiced her opinions through various media, ensuring that the fight for justice and equality remained at the forefront of societal issues.

Death and Legacy

Coretta Scott King, an unwavering advocate for civil rights, passed away on January 30, 2006, at the age of 78 due to complications from ovarian cancer. Just six months prior, she had suffered a heart attack and stroke, which highlighted the frailty of her health in her later years. Her final moments were spent seeking treatment in Mexico, but her enduring spirit was evident as she continued her activism until the very end. Coretta’s life was marked by her deep commitment to preserving the legacy of her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., and her efforts in the civil rights movement, which remain influential to this day.

The impact of Coretta Scott King's work continues to resonate through institutions such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, which she founded after her husband's tragic assassination in 1968. Her tireless advocacy not only contributed to the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday in 1983 but also paved the way for recognition of nonviolent protest as a potent tool for social change. Her legacy is maintained through her children, who manage the King Center, and through her writings, including her autobiography, “My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr.” Coretta Scott King's profound influence continues to inspire new generations of activists committed to equality and justice.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Coretta Scott King was married to Martin Luther King Jr. on June 18, 1953, in a ceremony held at her family home in Marion, Alabama. Their marriage was not only a personal union but also a partnership in the civil rights movement, where both played significant roles. Coretta supported Martin's endeavors while nurturing her own aspirations as a musician and activist. Together, they faced the challenges of racial injustice and social inequality, collaborating on numerous initiatives that sought to foster peace and equality throughout the United States.

The couple had four children: Yolanda Denise (1955-2007), Martin Luther III (b. 1957), Dexter Scott (b. 1961), and Bernice Albertine (b. 1963). Each child embraced aspects of their parents’ legacy, continuing the fight for civil rights and social justice. Coretta’s strong parenting emphasized the values of service and activism, ensuring that her children were well-versed in their father’s mission and the importance of community engagement. As of now, the surviving children manage the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, upholding their parents" commitment to equality and social justice.

Net Worth and Earning

Coretta Scott King's net worth at the time of her death in 2006 was estimated to be in the range of several million dollars. Her financial standing was bolstered by the legacy of her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., as well as her own successful career as an activist and author. Coretta's most notable works include the book "My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr.," which provides insights into their shared commitment to civil rights and social justice. Additionally, the King family has long benefited from carefully managed investments and donations, including proceeds from Martin Luther King Jr.'s estate, which have contributed to the family's wealth.

Throughout her life, Coretta Scott King engaged in various speaking engagements and public appearances, often receiving significant honorariums for her contributions to activism and her teachings on nonviolence. Moreover, she played a vital role in establishing the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, which not only served as a platform for her philanthropic work but also offered revenue through programs, grants, and partnerships. The center continues to promote King's legacy and attracts donations that aid in preserving their family's mission, further underscoring Coretta's lasting impact in both the civil rights arena and her financial contributions to their cause.