Governor Dean Commemorates Life of Coretta Scott King

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the death of Coretta Scott King:

"Today we mourn the loss of Coretta Scott King. Throughout her life, Mrs. King worked tirelessly for the struggle of non-violent activism, social justice and peace, carrying the message of the beloved community to almost every corner of our nation and around the world.

"Before her marriage to Dr. King, Mrs. King was a champion of civil rights and the non violent movement in her own right. During Dr. King's life and after his death, Mrs. King was integral to the struggle for equality and justice. A woman of wisdom, compassion and vision, she helped to preserve her husband's legacy and played a key role in making Dr. King Day a national holiday and the King Center a reality. As the work of the King Center continues, local, national and international programs have trained tens of thousands of people in Dr. King's philosophy and methodology of social change.

"Mrs. King once said, 'I want to challenge you to make a courageous commitment, not only to achieve personal success, but to use your success to help create this beautiful symphony of brotherhood and sisterhood, and if you embrace this challenge with prayer and faith and determination, you will surely succeed, and the 21st Century will become a glorious new age of peace and progress for all humankind.'

"Today as we send our thoughts and prayers to the King family, let us also honor Mrs. King's memory by committing ourselves to this challenge."