[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 14 (Wednesday, February 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E105-E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MRS. CORETTA SCOTT KING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
655, honoring the life and accomplishments of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. 
It is with great respect and a heavy heart that I pay tribute to the 
life of a woman admired by so many Americans.
  On January 31, 2006, God summoned home one of His most dedicated 
activists in the fight for equal rights and social justice. It seems 
like only yesterday that Mrs. King joined her husband, the late 
Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., to fight for equality for all 
Americans.
  While the country mourned the loss of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., 
Mrs. King picked up the torch and continued the fight for social 
justice, at the same time caring for their four children: Yolanda 
Denise, Martin Luther III, Dexter Scott, and Bernie Albertine. In doing 
so, she worked tirelessly on multi-national disarmament treaties, anti-
poverty efforts in the U.S., and opposition to apartheid in South 
Africa. Later, in 1985, she initiated the creation of the Martin Luther 
King, Jr. Research and Education Institute to ensure that future 
generations of leaders carry on Rev. King's dream of peace and social 
justice. It is fitting that we honor her today not far from where she 
led several hundred-thousand people to commemorate her husband's 
historic march on our Nation's Capital.
  Because of the Reverend and Mrs. King's hard work and many sacrifices 
throughout the

[[Page E106]]

years, millions of Americans have greater opportunities today. Without 
their efforts, people like me might not have the opportunity to serve 
in the House of Representatives today.
  While the loss of Mrs. Coretta Scott King brings great sadness, it 
brings a sense of peace knowing that she will be reunited with her 
husband the late Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and that their 
legacy will flourish for generations to come.

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