Coretta Scott King has died. She had been in failing health following a stroke.
I once had the very great privilege of meeting her briefly – I had just arrived in Atlanta, needed a job right away, and got one as security at what was then Hartsfield Airport.
My first week, who should walk past my x-ray machine but Mrs. King. I couldn’t help it: I had idolised her husband and her so long ( the first thing my father wanted to see when he visited me from England was MLK’s grave) that I had to introduce myself and say hello. She must have wondered who the insane, midget, redhead security guard was, but she was kindness itself.
I saw her a couple of times at the airport again before I found a better job, and she always smiled and said hello.
In a way I’m glad she won’t live to see what has America is becoming.
Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King in the same year, oy. Where will our new heroes come from?
