Emanuel Hill

Coretta Scott King

Although most would say that her husbands fame greatly outshines her own, Coretta
Scott King has also benefited the African American community immensely. Coretta will always
be remembered as one of the most revolutionary African American people due to her
contributions towards their struggle for political and social equality.
Contrary to popular belief, Mrs. Kings civil and political goals were not, in fact,
drowned out by Martins achievements. She helped with the African American Civil Rights
movement in the 1960s, donated to countless charities, and became active in the Womens
Movement (later leading to great strides in modern feminism) however none of these can top her
biggest achievement, which was carrying out her husbands dream after his death. Though not an
easy task, she persevered, the thought of giving up never once crossing her mind. Her efforts
proved to not be in vain because on January 15, 1986 she was able to make Martin Luther King
Jr. Day a national holiday. Through that holiday and her vast achievements many successful
charities were made. However, her focus is not just on the equality for African Americans, or
even just people of color exclusively. She is also an active and empowering feminist. Her part in
the Womens Movement helped womens rights take a big step forward. After the third wave of
feminism (beginning and ending in the United States in the 90s), the American womens
struggle became a much more important household conversation. With the help of Coretta,
womens rights were finally realized.
Charity has also defined her career as a civil activist. Aside from donating to the church
and Civil Rights movement, Coretta also donated towards and supported gay rights, South Africa
charities, and much more.

It is said that next to every amazing man is an amazing woman by his side. This is almost
an understatement in Mrs. Kings case. She should not be defined as an afterthought of her
husbands achievements, but rather as an independent individual who has helped greatly in the
fields of civil rights, human rights, and feminism. Without her, America could quite possibly be
in a totally different place today.