Lowlights of Coretta Scott King’s Funeral

The passing of one of the most instrumental women in the civil rights movement saddened my heart. I learned of Coretta Scott King’s passing the morning after it happened. I was slowly crawling on the freeway to work while listening to the news and it literally brought tears to my eyes. I had to reflect on what a wonderful life she led and how we were definitely better for her existence.

After getting home from work on the day of her funeral, I turned on the news to see coverage. I am very much aware of the great accomplishments of people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, and many others. Many people gave their lives for one simple concept—equality for all people! I can truly say that I may not be doing what I do, living where I live, and enjoying the benefits I enjoy if it weren’t for those sacrifices. Mrs. King paid one of the highest prices. A rabid racist gunned down her husband for his nonviolent protest in the call of justice. And she took that devastating loss with much class, dignity, and grace.

As a well-informed black man, I was ashamed of what I saw. Grace is not the word I would have used for how some chose to conduct themselves at her funeral.

Instead of celebrating the great accomplishments of her life, her funeral was used in a most disgraceful manner. I saw Rev. Joseph Lowry, who along with Dr. King and others co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, use her funeral as a political forum. It was truly shameful and beneath the dignity of such a storied organization…or such a great woman.

To make matters worse, former President Carter, someone who gained more and more of my respect since leaving office, added his political comments to the mix. He brought up the color of the faces of the Hurricane Katrina victims and how much farther we have to go in our quest for true equality. It’s a fair discussion, but not here…not now.

There were others who didn’t make fools of themselves. But there was a couple that raised above the level this spectacle degenerated to—President and Mrs. Bush. Now, I can’t say that I’m a fan of this President; anyone who knows me can attest to that. But painfully, I must admit the restraint he and his wife showed while a torrent of crude assaults came down on them was a lesson in self-control and something that was much needed at this event—class! As the camera showed them during the ugly verbal bombs, you could tell they weren’t having the best time.

But they never stooped the level of their attackers. Thanks to this crudeness, I’m sure President Bush won’t be rushing to the next NAACP meeting!

Dr. and Mrs. King spent a lifetime of trying to bridge the gap between the races as well as raise the status of the poor and disenfranchised. Some might forget about their great accomplishments because of a few loose tongues. But they are surely in heaven now, so what happened at Mrs. King’s service is of no concern to them now. They are definitely in a better place. But it is a shame we still have to live with that spectacle. Thanks to Dr. Lowry and President Carter, we are reminded just how dirty politics can be. After I finished watching the coverage, I really felt like taking a nice long shower for that reason alone.

Farewell, Coretta Scott King. We wish your send off wasn’t filled with so many lowlights!