Photo taken from
www.blackamericatoday.com
Rosa Parks
On November 2, 2005, singers, politicians, preachers, civil rights leaders and just plain folks, estimated to be 4,000 mourners, gathered in Detroit to pay their last respects to a woman who became an icon for equality after taking a courageous stand that would forever change America.
It was on December 1, 1955 that a 42-year-old woman with rimless glasses and a petite frame walked to Cleveland Avenue in the heart of downtown Montgomery, AL, boarded the city bus, took a seat, and said a single word. The rest is history.
Photo taken from http://www.twoop.com
Parks later explained in her own words, “ I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old…I was only 42. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”
Photo taken from http://graphics.jsonline.com
Hail and farewell to Rosa Parks, many describe her as a “warrior and a woman of peace.” A woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus so we can believe we could be anything we want to be, “Thank you for sacrificing for us and for allowing us to step on your mighty shoulders.”
Coretta Scott King
Coretta Scott King, the wife of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away on January 31st.
Photo taken from http://graphics.jsonline.com
Coretta Scott King was always a strong supporter of her husband and the cause he worked so diligently for. After the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 1968, she continued his work for civil rights and social justice and devoted her life to his legacy. She helped to establish the King Center in Atlanta and worked for years to create a federal holiday in his honor.
Coretta Scott King became a leader in her own right, as over the years she took part in various seminars and conferences on global issues. Soon after her husband’s slaying, she was reported to have said, “I’m more determined than ever that my husband’s dream will become a reality.” One important contribution to fulfilling her husband’s dream was the 1969 founding of the multimillion-dollar Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Over the years she made sure that the center remained focused on the issues that she believed bred violence—hunger, unemployment, lack of voting rights, and racism.
In later years, King spoke out against racial profiling, mandatory minimum sentences and attacks on affirmative action. She also became increasingly critical of businesses such as film and television companies, video game manufacturers, gun manufacturers and toy makers who she accused of promoting violence.
Coretta Scott King also had a strong belief in the power of books to make a difference in our lives and so she established the Coretta Scott King Book Award which is presented annually by the American Library Association’s Ethnic Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table.
The awards are given to an African American author and an African American illustrator for an outstandingly inspirational and educational contribution. The books promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream. The Award is further designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.
She was unable to attend the annual King holiday celebration in Atlanta this January, but she was well enough to appear with her children at an awards dinner a few days earlier. She received a standing ovation from the audience.
Coretta Scott King leaves behind a rich legacy—accomplished musician, devoted wife and mother, and tireless advocate for civil rights and non-violence. She will be remembered for both the important work she did while her husband was alive as well as her many accomplishments during the remaining 38 years of her extraordinary life.
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