My Life, My Love, My Legacy

By: Coretta Scott King, Barbara Reynolds

Narrated by: January LaVoy, Phylicia Rashad

"...this audiobook, which was dictated in the last year of King's life, puts both her and her husband's struggles in cultural and historical context. This is a must-listen." (The Berkshire Edge)

The life story of Coretta Scott King - wife of Martin Luther King Jr., founder of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and singular 20th-century American civil rights activist - as told fully for the first time, toward the end of her life, to one of her closest friends

Born in 1927 to daringly enterprising Black parents in the Deep South, Coretta Scott had always felt called to a special purpose. One of the first Black scholarship students recruited to Antioch College, a committed pacifist, and a civil rights activist, she was an avowed feminist - a graduate student determined to pursue her own career - when she met Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister insistent that his wife stay home with the children. But in love and devoted to shared Christian beliefs and racial justice goals, she married King, and events promptly thrust her into a maelstrom of history throughout which she was a strategic partner, a standard bearer, a marcher, a negotiator, and a crucial fundraiser in support of world-changing achievements.

As a widow and single mother of four, while butting heads with the all-male African American leadership of the times, she championed gay rights and AIDS awareness, founded the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, lobbied for 15 years to help pass a bill establishing the US national holiday in honor of her slain husband, and was a powerful international presence, serving as a UN ambassador and playing a key role in Nelson Mandela's election.

Coretta's is a love story, a family saga, and the memoir of an independent-minded Black woman in 20th-century America, a brave leader who stood committed, proud, forgiving, nonviolent, and hopeful in the face of terrorism and violent hatred every single day of her life.

This program includes archival recordings of Coretta Scott King and is read by Phylicia Rashad and January LaVoy.

Phylicia Rashad is an actress, singer and stage director. She is known for roles in television shows such as Empire, Psych, and as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Her voice-over credits include spots in The Cleveland Show, Little Bill and Sofia the First. Rashad has also appeared in such films as For Colored Girls, Good Deeds, and Creed.

©2017 Estate of Coretta Scott King (P)2017 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Phylicia Rashad narrates the bulk of this audiobook with January LaVoy, and both do a superb job. Rashad's insistent voice and gentle tone reflect both the strength and quiet dignity that characterized King's life." ( AudioFile)

A look at life as the wife of Martin Luther King J

I enjoyed looking at life from Coretta's side. Took me back to the Montgomery Movement and allowed me to learn about the rest of her life.

Beautiful Life

I want to put this first, not only because it is news to me, but because I want to make sure everyone sees this part. There was a trial in 1999 where it was determined that the U.S government was responsible for the conspiracy to kill Martin Luther King Jr. I did not know this. Of course, we all figure that is what happened, however I did not know it was confirmed in the courts. With that said, Coretta Scott King is an amazing woman.

Scott is the most confident self-assured woman I have ever heard of. I say this in awe not criticism. She accomplished so much in her life that is often over shadowed by the legacy of her husband. But she was a force to be reckoned with and I'm ashamed to say I am just learning this. Her family experienced so much heartache it is a wonder how they kept going.

She in her time fought for civil rights for EVERYONE, including those in the LGBTQ community, which is saying something about a person of her time. But it's because she was a fighter for human rights and truly believed all humans are equal, as do I and as anyone should.

Furthermore, she says things at the time this was done that speak directly to what is happening today and our crisis.

Queen Coretta

After reading Martin Luther King Jrs autobiography i had to read/listen to her perspective and Ive concluded that MLK was as great of a man than even I thought and she was his partner. Great woman who carried on his views after he died and until she passed away.

great read

It was nice to learn more about mrs. King her life her story, which was awesome to get to know her and all the things that she accomplished

Tears, recognition & encouragement

Anyone concerned about human and civil rights ought to read this book. Getting to know the story of Correa Scott King brought such powerful emotions. Deep tears but also plenty of empowering thoughts I recognized within myself and within current struggles of humanity. She was a person beyond Martin Luther King and helped advance society on many levels. Read it!

Loved

I absolutely love the baby! Grateful to hear her story. She was open, honest and refreshing

Inspiring

Where does My Life, My Love, My Legacy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 3

What did you like best about this story?

Thank you Coretta, This book allowed you to be seen as a Women not just a Mother & Wife of Martin...

Have you listened to any of January LaVoy and Phylicia Rashad ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Rev. Jesse & her interesting moment in history EPIC. the things you dont hear about people you see as a public figure

Love

I have always respected the late Cortez's Scott King. But it was wonderful to hear how she developed into the powerhouse she became. I admire her as a mother and leader.

Riveting biography of Coretta’s life & work w/Movement

Dr. Barbara Reynolds captures the historical and personal details with clarity, emotion and Coretta’s personal insights that make Civil Rights & US History riveting. Thank you for recalling the details I knew and inserting those I didn’t. I wish more credit was given to Dr. Reynolds who was chosen by Coretta to research & write her memoir.

wonderful

What did you love best about My Life, My Love, My Legacy?

It was the first book I had "read" from Coretta Scott King. I loved hearing her side of history.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Life, My Love, My Legacy?

The end. You know what happens. You know MLK dies and yet to hear it retold just made me break down into tears at what we have lost, especially in light of our current political climate.

Which scene was your favorite?

don't know.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I had the privilege of hearing Coretta Scott King speak at Antioch College a few years before she died. I also attended Antioch and I was so happy for the opportunity to hear one of the most famous alumni of Antioch speak. It was inspirational. I am glad I found this book and have enjoyed it thoroughly and want to read more about MLK and other Civil rights leaders. Good to revisit history other than through 60's nostalgic montages. Good to reflect on the lessons of history and to rekindle the flame of inspiration. My personal motto comes from Horace Mann, first president of Antioch college and is quoted as well by Mrs King in this book. "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity".

I have and will continue to recommend this book to all my friends and family.