A Greater Destiny
By Everette J. Freeman ’72

“It’s important to dream,” Coretta Scott King ’51 told 1,100 people who packed Spurlock Center at Franklin College in Indiana, “because we need a vision for a better future. But there comes a time when we have to rise up from the dreaming and provide the leadership needed to fulfill the dream.”

Considered one of the most influential leaders in the world today, Mrs. King was on Franklin’s campus as part of the “Spirit of the Liberal Arts,” a week-long celebration leading up to the inauguration of the college’s 15th president, Dr. James G. Moseley, the following day.

Mrs. King praised the college’s leadership program and outlined the ways that students could cure the ills of the world. “Our communities, nation and the world cry out for creative leadership, and the young people who are receiving a liberal arts education today must be prepared to lead the way to a more just, peaceful and prosperous future. Every college and university in America should make leadership development a priority for their students.”

Issues Mrs. King singled out included stronger hate crime legislation, protection for those victimized because of gender or sexual orientation, stronger gun control laws, programs to reduce domestic violence and an end to the death penalty. She also called for the cancellation of Africa’s debt to America and other western nations.

“Some of these countries pay as much as 40 percent of their annual budgets just for interest on the debt,” Mrs. King said, “more than they can budget for healthcare or education. If we can create a successful global coalition to cancel the debt, the impoverished countries of the world can at long last use their resources to address their health care needs.”

Mrs. King spoke of her late husband and his life-long love of learning, a strong work ethic and his advocacy of nonviolence, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. “There are simply no substitutes for a strong work ethic for anyone who aspires to leadership,” she said. “Martin worked hard, even as a youngster.

“He also demonstrated an unusual maturity and concern for others at an early age,” she said. “As his father said, ‘He was a peculiar child’ in that regard.”

Dr. King was exposed to Gandhi through a college lecture. He found the lecture so profound and electrifying that he bought every book he could find on Gandhi. He became deeply fascinated by nonviolent resistance.

“So I would encourage all students to make a point of taking part in extracurricular educational opportunities,” Mrs. King said. “You too might learn something off campus that will empower you to become a more effective leader.

“Rise up, now, and lead our world to a greater destiny,” she said. “Rise up and take a courageous stand against poverty, racism, war and violence. Rise up and use your economic power to support a culture of nonviolence. Rise up and work for peace, dignity and human rights for all people in every nation.”

After Mrs. King’s speech, Stephen L. Huddleston, chairman of the board of trustees, and Dr. James G. Moseley, president, surprised her with an honorary doctor of laws degree.

“I certainly will do everything in my power to live up to the trust you have placed in me and my humble efforts,” she said.

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