Before I was married to Martin and became a King, I was a proud Scott, shaped by my mother's discernment and my father's strength.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the author's appreciation for the foundational values instilled by her parents before her marriage and ascent to prominence.
Coretta Scott King emphasizes the importance of her heritage and family background in shaping her identity. Despite her significant role as the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. and her own achievements, she acknowledges that her characteristics and values, drawn from her parents' lessons, played a crucial role in her development as a person and a leader.
In practice
During a speech about family values, one could reference this quote to highlight the importance of parental influence.
I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy. The civil rights movement thrives on unity and inclusion, not division and exclusion. My husband's struggle parallels that of the gay rights movement.
...We have an historic opportunity for a great global healing and renewal. If we will accept the challenge of nonviolent activism with faith, courage, and determination, we can bring this great vision of a world united in peace and harmony from a distant ideal into glowing reality.
I think if people really read Martin Luther King, Jr., then they would begin to understand what he really represented.
It doesn't matter how strong your opinions are. If you don't use your power for positive change, you are, indeed, part of the problem.
Sometimes, I am also identified as a civil rights leader or a human rights activist. I would also like to be thought of as a complex, three-dimensional, flesh-and-blood human being with a rich storehouse of experiences, much like everyone else, yet unique in my own way, much like everyone else.
People don't ever have to starve to death; there are solutions. We have failed if we can't eradicate hunger in Africa and Ethiopia.
Parents learn the uses of power and its limits. They can insist on certain outward behavior but cannot change inner attitudes. They can require obedience but not goodness - and certainly not love.
I've learned... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
What makes Mom the best is that she never put any expectations too high on the kids. She just wanted us to be doing the things that made us happy, as long as we were working hard, but we never had to live up to something.
It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children. Research shows that during the most important transitions of life—including those periods when youth are most likely to drift away from the Church—the greatest influence does not come from an interview with the bishop or some other leader but from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents.
Care about your children. Just bless them instead of worrying, as every child is the little Buddha who helps his parents to grow up.
All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
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