Menah’s Meditations: Coretta Scott King & National Day of Racial Healing

Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose work to advance civil rights for Black Americans fundamentally altered the trajectory of our country. A pastor and community leader, MLK called for nonviolent resistance and unwavering commitment to progress in the face of violent, resolute unwillingness to change.

However, we wouldn’t be honoring MLK today without Coretta.

Described by The King Center as the “Architect of the King Legacy,” Coretta Scott King is an often-unsung icon of the American Civil Rights Movement. She was both a sounding board for the man we celebrate today and an inspiration for their four children, all of whom carried the tradition of social justice and community-building into future generations. She is now also an inspiration for her granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, who is increasingly using her voice to advocate for justice.

Coretta was a true partner to Martin before and after his assassination, founding The King Center just two months after his death and campaigning in the 1980s for national recognition of his contributions to American society. The first nationally recognized MLK day was celebrated in January 1986.

As we honor the National Day of Racial Healing tomorrow, Jan. 16, I encourage meditations on the Black women impacted by the writing of American history. At best, Black women like Coretta are left out of the American narrative; at worst, Black women like Kimberlé Crenshaw, Nikole Hannah Jones, and other banned book writers are the scapegoat of our history’s ills.

Whether you are volunteering in your community, attending one of the many events being held on and off campus, or taking time to further your knowledge in this area, I hope you lean into the kind of celebration and education that Dr. and Mrs. King would be proud of today. I will be joining you in reaffirming my commitment to this work of social justice.

Many engaging meditations,
Menah