Coretta Scott King 1927 – 2006

Biography

Coretta Scott King was born on April 27, 1927, in Marion, embarking on a life that would profoundly shape the American civil rights movement. As an author, activist, and civil rights leader, she dedicated herself to advancing the cause of justice and equality. Her partnership with her husband, Martin Luther King, Jr., formed one of history’s most influential collaborations in the struggle for racial justice and human dignity.

Throughout her lifetime, Coretta Scott King worked tirelessly as both a writer and activist, using her voice to champion nonviolence and social change. She carried forward the legacy of civil rights activism long after the pivotal events of the 1960s, remaining a steadfast advocate for the principles of equality and peace that defined her life’s work.

On January 30, 2006, Coretta Scott King passed away in Rosarito at the age of 78, succumbing to ovarian cancer. Her final resting place is the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, a fitting tribute to her unwavering commitment to peaceful resistance and social progress. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire generations committed to justice, equality, and the beloved community she and her husband envisioned.