Unpublished Coretta Scott King Papers Could Be Released Soon
The daughter of Coretta Scott King wants to see more of her mother's work published.
Bernice King recently said that she wants her family to release speeches, letters and commentary from the widow of iconic civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.
"I know that her voice and her life can serve as a true inspiration to so many women," Bernice said at the National Press Club. Bernice appeared alongside Barbara Reynolds, who co-authored Coretta's memoir My Life, My Love, My Legacy, which was published earlier this year.
Bernice did not disclose if the family were negotiating with a university or publishing house, but did say that she thought her brothers Dexter and Martin III would agree with the decision to publish their mother's papers.
Coretta's words have resurfaced this year in light of America's current political climate.
A speech that Coretta gave against the nomination of Jeff Sessions for a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama back in 1986, popped up when Sessions was nominated for attorney general by Donald Trump.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren attempted to recite Coretta's speech in its entirety on the Senate Floor in protest of Sessions' nomination but, was silence by Republicans. The speech was used again to protest Sessions when DC protesters recited the speech through a bullhorn at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's home.
In the cover page of the nine-page letter King wrote, "I write to express my sincere opposition to the confirmation of Jefferson B. Sessions as a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama. My professional and personal roots in Alabama are deep and lasting. Anyone who has used the power of his office as United States Attorney to intimidate and chill the free exercise of the ballot by citizens should not be elevated to our courts. Mr. Sessions has used the awesome powers of his office in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters. For this reprehensible conduct, he should not be rewarded with a federal judgeship."