Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is without a doubt the figurehead of the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. Streets all over the country are named in his honor and every year on his birthday U.S. citizens stay home from work. Many Black Americans appreciate Dr. King’s contributions even if they don’t completely agree with the tactics he utilized. Though he was and is often celebrated, and rightfully so, one could reasonably argue that what he accomplished would not have been remotely possible were it not for his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

Though Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was and is often celebrated, and rightfully so, one could reasonably argue that what he accomplished would not have been remotely possible were it not for his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King.”

Not only was Mrs. King a supportive wife and strong mother of four, but she was also on the front lines as an organizer, activist, fundraiser and at times even a substitute speaker for Dr. King. She, too, stood as a symbol, braving multiple violent attacks on her family and home.

One biographical writer says she, like Dr. King, “also faced and transcended the possibility of death.” He adds, “To audiences across the country she is fond of quoting Esther: ‘and if I perish, I perish.’” Just as Esther’s words had spoken to Coretta Scott King, Mordecai’s words spoke to Esther in God’s timing for the deliverance of His people in the face of danger. Who will your words speak to?