Coretta Scott King Quotations

Coretta Scott King was a civil rights activist, author, and wife of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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There is a spirit and a need and a man at the beginning of every great human advance. Every one of these must be right for that particular moment of history, or nothing happens.
- My Life with Martin Luther King Jr. (1969) Ch. 6

Because his task was not finished, I felt that I must re-dedicate myself to the completion of his work.
- My Life with Martin Luther King Jr. (1969)

Mama and Daddy King represent the best in manhood and womanhood, the best in a marriage, the kind of people we are trying to become.
- On the parents of her husband. Christian Science Monitor (2 July 1974)

I support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994 because I believe that freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. My husband, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." On another occasion he said, "I have worked too long and hard against segregated public accommodations to end up segregating my moral concern. Justice is indivisible." Like Martin, I don't believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.
So I see this bill as a step forward for freedom and human rights in our country and a logical extension of the Bill of Rights and the civil rights reforms of the 1950s and '60's.
The great promise of American democracy is that no group of people will be forced to suffer discrimination and injustice. I believe that this legislation will provide protection to a large group of working people, who have suffered persecution and discrimination for many years. To this endeavor, I pledge my wholehearted support.
- Press Conference on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994, Washington D.C. (23 June 1994)

I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice. But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.
- Reuters (31 March 1998)

Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood. This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all too easily to victimize the next minority group.
- Chicago Defender (1 April 1998)

I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy.
- Chicago Sun Times (1 April 1998)

For many years now, I have been an outspoken supporter of civil and human rights for gay and lesbian people. Gays and lesbians stood up for civil rights in Montgomery, Selma, in Albany, Ga. and St. Augustine, Fla., and many other campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement. Many of these courageous men and women were fighting for my freedom at a time when they could find few voices for their own, and I salute their contributions
- Chicago Tribune (1 April 1998)

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members ... a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.
- Address at Georgia State University (15 February 2000)

We have a lot more work to do in our common struggle against bigotry and discrimination. I say "common struggle" because I believe very strongly that all forms of bigotry and discrimination are equally wrong and should be opposed by right-thinking Americans everywhere. Freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation is surely a fundamental human right in any great democracy, as much as freedom from racial, religious, gender, or ethnic discrimination.
- "Creating Change" conference of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Atlanta, Georgia (9 November 2000)

We have to launch a national campaign against homophobia in the black community
- Reuters (8 June 2001)

Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.
- As quoted in Understanding Cultural Diversity in Today's Complex World‎ (2006) by Leo Parvis, p. 54

I'm more determined than ever that my husband's dream will become a reality.
- Statement soon after her husband's slaying, as quoted in CNN obituary (January 31, 2006)

I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.

I'm fulfilled in what I do... I never thought that a lot of money or fine clothes — the finer things of life — would make you happy. My concept of happiness is to be filled in a spiritual sense.

If American women would increase their voting turnout by ten percent, I think we would see an end to all of the budget cuts in programs benefiting women and children.

Segregation was wrong when it was forced by white people, and I believe it is still wrong when it is requested by black people.

Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won you earn it and win it in every generation.

The more visible signs of protest are gone, but I think there is a realization that the tactics of the late sixties are not sufficient to meet the challenges of the seventies.

Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.

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