Congressional Gold Medal for Dr. M.L. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King (June 24, 2014)

from the King Center for Non-Violent Social Change in Atlanta, GA (www.thekingcenter.org/): The King Center is pleased to announce that on June 24, 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King will posthumously receive a Congressional Gold Medal, during a special ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The King Center CEO, Dr. Bernice A. King, as well as her brothers, Martin Luther King III and Dexter Scott King will join with Speaker John A. Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), and other Senate and House leaders in commemorating this historic occasion. The ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. The Congressional Gold Medal “represents Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions to our nation.” Responding to the announcement that her parents would receive the Congressional Gold Medal, Bernice A. King, said “We are deeply honored that my father and mother, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, are being given this award in recognition of their tireless and sacrificial leadership to advance freedom and justice through nonviolence in our nation. It is fitting that the award will be presented by the U.S. Congress as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was a cornerstone reform on America’s journey to racial justice.” Dr. King acknowledged that she was especially pleased that her mother, Coretta Scott King, was designated as a co-recipient of the honor. She further stated that “As Founder of The King Center, my mother was really the driving force that kept my father’s nonviolent leadership philosophy and legacy at the forefront of the consciousness of our nation and the world. Also, it was my father who recognized that she was a courageous partner, and acknowledged on many occasions that without her strength and unflagging dedication to the cause, he could never have made it from day to day through the movement.” She concluded by saying, “I really believe my mother is also deserving of this honor because she was an unwavering champion who advanced social justice for all of humanity throughout her entire life.”