“Mrs. Coretta Scott King, “First Lady” of the Civil Rights Movement and champion of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, died at a Mexican alternative-medicine clinic of respiratory failure.

She was 78.

Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. King fought tenaciously and unceasingly for social justice and equality for all.

She was by her husband’s side during his darkest hours and his greatest triumphs – from the jail in Birmingham to the March on Washington.

After Dr. King’s assassination in 1968 she said ‘I’m more determined than ever that my husband’s dream will become a reality.’

She made good on that promise –

tirelessly working to build a living memorial to her husband and his life work that culminated in the construction of the Atlanta-based Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Mrs. King was President, Chair and Chief Executive Officer and dedicated the Center to providing local, national and international programs to those seeking training in Dr. King’s philosophy and methods.

Mrs. King then led a massive lobbying campaign to establish Dr. King’s birthday as a national holiday.

In 1983, Congress passed the holiday legislation which was

signed by President Ronald Reagan.

The Federal MLK holiday went into effect in 1986.

Mrs. King’s commitment, determination and vision ensured that she would emerge from Dr. King’s enormous shadow and be recognized as a civil rights icon and national treasure in her own right.

She will be remembered as a multi-faceted, complex woman – a mother, musician, educator, motivator, role-model, mentor, activist and leader.

Her courage, strength and light will be missed but her mission will continue.”

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Founded in 1974, AAAA is an association of equal employment opportunity, diversity and affirmative action professionals. AAAA promotes understanding and advocacy of affirmative action to enhance access and equality in employment, economic and educational opportunities.