 |
In 2009, I read Coretta Scott King’s book, “My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr.,” and I am glad that I did. In her book, as the title suggests, she tells of her life as the wife of Mr. King and the mother of their four children. Her story is one of hope, inspiration, determination, courage, and triumphant. Coretta explains how her and Martin, though both born and raised in the south--she in rural Marion, Alabama, and he in suburban Atlanta, Georgia—their backgrounds were different, but their values and morals were a match. The intelligence, determination, and drive rooted in both of them brought them together not by chance, but by divine plan. They met in graduate school in Boston, Massachusetts. Shortly thereafter, they married and moved to Montgomery, Alabama where Martin became the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. Coretta mentions that she opposed moving to Montgomery at first, but later decided that, wherever Martin went, she would be there waiting for him when he got home. Coretta describes Martin’s success leading the Montgomery Improvement Association and overturning bus laws by way of the Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycott in 1955. Though Coretta was raising her first child at the time and spent a lot of time at home, she was the main supporter and encourager to Martin and his cause. The efforts of Martin and others led to the development of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the passing of a federal law, declaring bus segregation unconstitutional. Martin and Coretta moved the family to Atlanta where Martin and the SCLC could grow and developed. The SCLC spread the message of peace and equality throughout the south, desegregating bus terminals, lunch counters, and restaurants. Efforts also expanded to northern cities as well, such as Chicago, where Martin and Coretta rented an apartment in the slums in order to share the experiences of the people for whom he was trying to improve quality of life. Coretta vividly recalls Martin’s eloquence when he spoke, and his ability to touch the hearts of many. She discusses the criticism Martin received when he voiced his objection to the Vietnam war and sought world peace rather than justice and peace in the states. Martin’s methods and teachings were widespread and, in 1964, he became the first African American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize which Coretta describes as “the greatest recognition that had come to him.” Though he preached, practiced, and encouraged non-violence, Martin fell victim to violence when an assassin took his life on April 4, 1968. I recommend this book to anyone looking to study Martin’s journey and understand the motives behind his actions and teachings. After reading Coretta’s book, if I had to sum up my thoughts about Martin in one sentence, I would say Martin Luther King, Jr., was a man who truly gave his life to follow Jesus. Martin returned violence, hate, injustice, and insolence, with gestures of love, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. He was a true, humble man of God who was not after fame, fortune, glory or honor; rather, he was after equality and peace for all. Readers any race or national origin would enjoy reading this book and would better understand and appreciate Martin’s contribution to the world. To me, the role Coretta played in Martin’s life is described best in Proverbs--to comfort and encourage him and do him only good as long as there was life within her.Read full review
This book was written short after MLK jr's death, while it was fresh on Mrs. King's mind. There are alot of people who claimed they were there that wasn't. You have to read it to find out what's really up.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
