Martin Luther King Wife, Early Life, Family, Personal Life & More
Coretta Scott King was not just the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., but a civil rights leader, activist, and pioneer in her own right. She played a crucial role in advancing social justice, advocating for equality, and ensuring her husband’s legacy endured long after his untimely death. Here’s an in-depth look at the life of Coretta Scott King and her impact on the civil rights movement and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Coretta Scott was born on April 27, 1927, in Marion, Alabama, to Obadiah and Bernice Scott. Raised in a family that valued education and self-sufficiency, Coretta showed promise as a student and musician from an early age. She attended Antioch College in Ohio, where she studied music and education, and later earned a scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. It was during her time at the conservatory that she met Martin Luther King Jr.
Meeting Martin Luther King Jr.
Coretta first encountered Martin in Boston while he was pursuing his doctoral studies at Boston University. The couple quickly bonded over their shared commitment to social justice and Christian values. They married on June 18, 1953, in a ceremony officiated by Martin’s father. Coretta’s musical talents and intellectual pursuits complemented Martin’s burgeoning role as a leader in the civil rights movement.
Partner in the Civil Rights Movement
Coretta Scott King was an integral part of the civil rights movement, often working alongside her husband. She participated in marches, rallies, and protests, and used her musical talents to raise funds and awareness for the cause. Her performances at freedom concerts combined spirituals and civil rights messages, galvanizing audiences and garnering financial support for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Despite facing constant threats and harassment, Coretta remained steadfast in her commitment to justice. She advocated for nonviolence and human rights, mirroring the principles championed by Martin Luther King Jr.
A Family of Activists
Coretta and Martin had four children: Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter, and Bernice. The King family became a symbol of the civil rights movement, embodying the struggle and hope of African Americans in their quest for equality. Coretta instilled in her children the importance of service and activism, a legacy they continue to uphold.
Carrying the Torch After Martin’s Death
When Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, Coretta’s world was forever changed. However, she channeled her grief into action, stepping into the public eye as a leader and continuing the fight for civil rights. Just days after Martin’s death, Coretta led a march of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
In 1969, she founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia. The King Center became a hub for education, activism, and preserving the memory of Martin’s contributions to the fight for justice. Coretta also played a pivotal role in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday, a dream realized in 1983.
Advocacy Beyond Civil Rights
Coretta Scott King’s activism extended far beyond the civil rights movement. She was an advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and global peace. Her efforts to combat apartheid in South Africa included organizing rallies and protests, as well as meeting with global leaders to demand change.
Coretta was also vocal about economic justice and opposed militarism. She worked to address the intersections of race, class, and gender, recognizing that true equality required a multifaceted approach.
Honoring Her Legacy
Coretta Scott King passed away on January 30, 2006, at the age of 78. Her funeral at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta—the same church where Martin had preached—was attended by thousands, including dignitaries, activists, and admirers from around the world.
Today, Coretta’s contributions to the fight for equality are celebrated alongside her husband’s. Her tireless work to preserve Martin’s legacy and advance social justice has inspired generations of activists. The Coretta Scott King Book Awards, established in her honor, recognize outstanding African American authors and illustrators whose work promotes peace, equality, and understanding.
The King Family’s Continued Influence
Coretta and Martin’s children have carried forward their parents’ legacy. Martin Luther King III has been a prominent voice in social justice initiatives, while Bernice King serves as the CEO of the King Center. Dexter King has worked to protect his father’s intellectual property, and the late Yolanda King was an actress and activist who used her platform to promote equality.
Coretta Scott King’s Net Worth and Legacy
At the time of her death, Coretta Scott King’s net worth was estimated at approximately $10 million. Her wealth was derived from her work as an author, speaker, and founder of the King Center, as well as royalties from Martin’s writings and speeches. Beyond material wealth, Coretta’s true legacy lies in her contributions to the fight for equality and justice.
Coretta Scott King was a trailblazer who refused to let tragedy define her. As the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him in the battle for civil rights. After his death, she emerged as a leader in her own right, championing causes that extended far beyond the movement’s initial goals. Her life serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.