(Washington, DC) – House Democratic Caucus Chair James E. Clyburn today issued the following statement on the passing of Coretta Scott King.
“On this the eve of Black History Month, we reflect on the life of an extraordinary woman, Coretta Scott King. A classically trained musician, Mrs. King, was the backbone of the King family. She embraced her place as a preacher's wife, but soon found herself in a much broader role. Her husband's rise as the face and voice of the civil rights movement of the 1960s was due in no small part to the advice and counsel of his dear wife.
“Coretta Scott King, herself, exemplified the struggles of the times. She grew up in a small Alabama town, and watched her father's businesses suffer at the hand of vandals whose acts were fueled simply by her family's skin color. This spurred the activist in her, and it was that passion she shared with Martin Luther King, Jr.
“It was my pleasure to know Mrs. King. To know her is to understand how deeply and profoundly she believed in the cause of social justice for all. She committed her life and talents to ensuring that no more children would grow up as second-class citizens. She and her family suffered great loss for their actions, while they achieved great things. Our nation owes Coretta Scott King our enduring gratitude for her tremendous legacy. Her accomplishments will live on in every community where children of all colors can grow up together enjoying the same opportunities.
“Although we mourn her passing, we celebrate that she and Dr. King are finally reunited in a place where we all will one day be truly free.”