Coretta Scott King did not remarry after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Despite the tragic loss of her husband, Coretta Scott King dedicated the rest of her life to carrying on his legacy and fighting for civil rights.
After Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, Coretta Scott King became a widow at the age of 40 with four young children to raise on her own. Instead of seeking a new partner or remarrying, she focused her energy on continuing her husband’s work and advocating for social justice.
Coretta Scott King played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. She established the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia, which served as a memorial to her late husband and a hub for activism and education. The center continues to be an important institution today, promoting nonviolence and equality.
Throughout her life, Coretta Scott King tirelessly fought for civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and other social justice causes. She was an influential speaker and activist, speaking out against apartheid in South Africa, advocating for nuclear disarmament, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community’s struggle for equality.
In addition to her activism, Coretta Scott King also worked to preserve her husband’s memory and teachings. She campaigned for a national holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., which was eventually established in 1986. She also wrote her own memoir, “My Life with Martin Luther King Jr.,” in which she shared personal anecdotes and insights into their life together.
Coretta Scott King’s commitment to her husband’s legacy extended beyond her own life. She worked to ensure that Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, writings, and teachings were published and widely available. She also supported the creation of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, which includes the King Center, the King Birth Home, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached.
In her later years, Coretta Scott King continued to be involved in activism and public speaking, even as she battled health issues. She passed away in 2006 at the age of 78, leaving behind a powerful and enduring legacy.
Coretta Scott King chose not to remarry after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Instead, she dedicated her life to preserving and promoting his legacy, advocating for civil rights, and fighting for social justice. Her commitment to nonviolence and equality made her an influential figure in her own right, and her impact continues to be felt today.