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In Memoriam: Coretta Scott King, 1927-2006

In Memoriam: Coretta Scott King, 1927-2006

Many higher education institutions joined the rest of the world in mourning the loss of Coretta Scott King, who died Jan. 31 at the age of 78.

Said Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, president of Bennett College in North Carolina: “News of the passing of Mrs. Coretta Scott King went straight to that place in the heart of everyone in the Bennett College family where tears are made. As we grieve the physical loss of Mrs. King, an extraordinary and beloved champion of civil rights and human rights, we must renew our own efforts to be effective drum majors for peace, drum majors for justice and drum majors for righteous.”

King spoke at Bennett’s inaugural President Presents lecture series on Sept. 27, 2002. In her presentation, King said, “I would like to think that my years of working for peace, human rights and a society free of racism, sexism, homophobia and all forms of bigotry have helped to make life a little better for your generation.” She also received an honorary doctorate degree from Bennett College during the May 2003 commencement.

“Mrs. King kept the legacy of her husband, Morehouse alumnus Martin Luther King Jr. alive through her commitment to the ideals of non-violence, peace and social justice,” said Dr. Walter E. Massey, president of Morehouse College. “We recognize Mrs. King’s efforts, celebrate her accomplishments and honor her memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with the King family and with all of us whose lives were touched and enriched by her great works.”

Spelman College in Atlanta, the alma mater of King’s youngest daughter Bernice, also paid tribute. “Known worldwide for her indomitable spirit and commitment to human rights, Mrs. Coretta Scott King left an indelible mark upon the Spelman College community. While our hearts mourn her death, we pause to celebrate the life and legacy of this civil rights icon and moral leader. We extend our deepest condolences to her entire family.”

The New England Conservatory of Music where King graduated in 1954 with a master’s in voice and violin and received an honorary doctorate in 1971, remembered her through an alumni profile on their Web site at <www.newenglandconservatory.edu>.



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