Named after her grandma Cora, Coretta Scott came into the world connected to a deep legacy of faith, bravery, and belief in the importance of education. Everyone knew she was destined for something special. But no one- not even her parents or Coretta herelf- could imagine that one day her voice and strength would inspire people around the world.
Born on April 27, 1927, at home in Perry County, Alabama, Coretta was the child of Obadiah (Obie) Scott and Bernice McMurry Scott. They lived on family land in a house her father had built. Surrounded by the power of people who loved her, Coretta felt safe and protected. But outside the safety of their home, there were dangers everywhere.
In Alabama and throughout the South, segregation- racist laws that separated Black and white people- was the rule. Being Black meant you had to drink from “Colored” water fountains. go through back doors of businesses and restaurants, and only be served after whites were. You were called hateful names and faced the danger of being hurt or killed because of the color of your skin. The weight of oppression was as thick as summer Alabama air. But the Scotts surrounded their kids with the winds of possibility.
In their proud Black community with family all around, their was a history of land ownership, hard-won and passed on. The Scotts knew land was a complicated issue full of injustice. The forced removal of the Muscogee people from their homelands and the terrible institution of slavery built wealth for some people while keeping others down. Decades later, many families who lived near Coretta’s didn’t own land and had little money. The unfairness broke Coretta’s heart.
But being with her family brought her joy. She dreamed and explored as she played with her big sister Edythe, little brother, Obie Leonard, and cousins. She climbed trees, swung on tire swings, and wrestled boys. She was imaginative and strong- and proud of it.
“We were much better off when we created our own games rather than things you buy from the store,” she said.
“We were much better off when we created our own games rather than things you buy from the store,” she said.
Sometimes Coretta would gaze in the mirror and wonder what she would be one day. She believed that God put everyone on Earth for a reason. What was her purpose?
Comprehension Questions
1. What tribe was forced to leave the land, where Coretta lived?
A. The Muscogee
B. The Cherokee
C. The Chickasaw
2. How did the weight of oppression feel?
A. As heavy as the summer air
B. As thick as summer Alabama air
C. As thick as molasses from Alabama trees
A. As heavy as the summer air
B. As thick as summer Alabama air
C. As thick as molasses from Alabama trees
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.