ITLA Celebrates the Life of Mrs. Coretta Scott King

(Atlanta, GA January 31, 2006). ITLA is deeply saddened by the passing of a great leader, Mrs. Coretta Scott King.  She was a woman committed to the betterment of humanity, yet soft-spoken in words and manner. Mrs. King passed away at the age of 78 and will forever be a part of history.

As a strong supporter of LGBT civil rights, Mrs. King advocated for the end of discrimination and prejudice towards members of the LGBT community. She said, “I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice. But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.” (Reuters, 3/31/98) In recognizing the role that LGBT individuals played in the Black Civil Rights Movement, she said, “Gays and lesbians stood up for civil rights in Montgomery, Selma, in Albany, Ga. and St. Augustine, Fla., and many other campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement. Many of these courageous men and women were fighting for my freedom at a time when they could find few voices for their own, and I salute their contributions.” (Chicago Tribune, 4/1/98).

More importantly, Mrs. King was an international advocate for equal rights for everyone. Her work will be a great part of history for many generations to come. In view of her unique and timely contributions to freedom, the LGBT movement must incorporate her vision and fight for the civil rights for all.

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In the Life Atlanta, Inc. serves to promote unity, pride, self-empowerment, and positive visibility within Atlanta's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community of African descent through education, advocacy, and coalition building programs.

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Mission: ITLA serves to promote unity, pride, self-empowerment, and positive visibility within Atlanta's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community of African descent through education, advocacy, and coalition building programs.