(Tuesday, January 31, 2006)
Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats and the National Stonewall Democrats Black Caucus issued the following statements on the passing of civil rights leader Coretta Scott King:
"Standing behind a great movement was a grand woman who shouldered the hopes of our American dream. Returning to Memphis five days after the assassination of her husband to demand justice for working families, Coretta Scott King continued her advocacy for the expansion of liberty embodied by their partnership. Mrs. King argued that our nation would not fulfill its promise unless all Americans, including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens, were afforded equal treatment under the law." - Eric Stern, NSD Executive Director
From the Stonewall Democrats Black Caucus
"Today our nation mourns the loss of another courageous leader. Coretta Scott King was more than Dr. Martin Luther King's wife, she was her own her person in her own right. Mrs. King stood for justice, equality, and global human rights for everyone. Black or non-black, gay or straight, Mrs. King dedicated her life to love, justice, equality, and global human rights and for that we are truly grateful.
Today is a sad day for the world, but we can honor her memory and her husband's dream by using their lives as an example and by making the promise of freedom, equality and opportunity real for all people." - Jasmyne Cannick, Co-Chair, Stonewall Democrats Black Caucus
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"Today the world mourns the passing of a true advocate for social equality. Coretta Scot King, along with her husband the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., sought to build a movement of spirituality and social change. Through their work they helped to fashion a country where racial equality became a reality.
The generous and courageous spirit of Mrs. King did not contain her activism to racial equality alone, but followed with her as she fought against societal barriers that dehumanized any person for any reason. In that vain, she was a tireless advocate for GLBT equality. Mrs. King's legacy will be a life that was motivated by the knowledge that true equality will lift us all - black, white, man, woman, gay and straight - and it is this legacy that will shine on as a reminder of the promised future we can achieve. " - Ramon Gardenhire, Co-Chair, Stonewall Democrats Black Caucus
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National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
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