This article has been updated since its original publication.
Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the month of January is an act of honor for many, however, the accomplishments of civil rights leaders associated with Dr. King often go unknown and without celebration.
In an effort to showcase the work of Coretta Scott King, Kennesaw State’s Cultural and Community Center is holding the “Coretta Scott King Paint & Sip” in University Room B on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Carmichael Student Center on the Kennesaw campus from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
“When you think about Dr. King’s legacy, we think about Dr. King himself and often times we don’t get enough time to cover the people around him, and Coretta Scott King was a great civil rights leader in her own right,” planning committee member Brandon Jackson said.
The “Coretta Scott King Paint & Sip” will offer attendees the opportunity to paint a free canvas and enjoy signature drinks by KSU catering while viewing several rare photographs and information posters that encompass the legacy of Mrs. King.
“Students will be asked to paint whatever inspires them,” Jackson said.
Composed of students, faculty and staff, the planning committee wanted to provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere for those interested in honoring the legacy of Mrs. King.
The focus of the event at KSU is to allow Mrs. King’s philanthropic work to be brought to the forefront while incorporating some elements and philosophies of Dr. King’s legacy.
“Having a program that celebrates her and highlights some of the things that she accomplished was really our main objective,” Jackson said.
Mrs. King balanced the work of traveling and organizing as a leader in civil rights movements with the job of raising four children, alongside Dr. King.
According to an article on The King Center’s website, “Mrs. King traveled throughout the world speaking out on behalf of racial and economic justice, women’s and children’s rights, gay and lesbian dignity, religious freedom, the needs of the poor and homeless, full-employment, health care, educational opportunities, nuclear disarmament and environmental justice.”
After Dr. King passed, Mrs. King continued advocating for human rights, eventually creating The King Center, where she served as founding President, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, according to The King Center.
Mrs. King also achieved the commemoration of her husband’s birthday into a national holiday, one now celebrated around the world.
Students interested in learning more about Mrs. King can attend the event or visit thekingcenter.org/about-mrs-king.
