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Shakendra Peay
English 112
February 9 2015

She cared for the conditions of human beings, stated by Maya Angelou at the funeral of
Coretta Scott King her chosen sister. Coretta Scott King was the widow of Dr. Martin Luther
King she was an activist, civil right leader, mother and a woman who supported no violent acts
and protests religiously. Maya Angelou words filled the room with the wonderful aspects of
Kings Life. Angelou expressed Kings line of sight. Angelou has always had the voice to capture
the moment and put you inside of the room. Even if you were not their physically she makes
your mind feel like you snuck into the bad door of the setting she spoke in. During the
homecoming of Coretta Scout King she made the audience feel that they were walking side by
side with King. Angelou truly flattered King to show the audience just how special she was. The
audience accepted Angelous words with happiness they understood that she came to inform
them of the greatness and legacy that Mrs. King was leaving behind. The audience was filled
with those who also admired and loved King. Giving applauses when Maya spoke something
that touched memories that they also could connect to with King. Maya Angelou and Coretta
Scout King both categorized themselves as the chosen sisters because they arent biological
sisters but over the years they have grew this incredible bond.
Maya Angelou praises Kings Passion for non- violence protests and acts. This is where I
found that she used pathos. Coretta felt that the act of non-violence helped the world more. She
and her husband (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) both were big part of the Civil Right Movements.
She loved her church and she was eager to help anyone that needed a helping hand. She loved

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her children and husband who she held hands with while they marched for equality during the
Civil Rights Movement. Maya emphasized on Corettas love for all people. She stood and
fought for the freedom for all gays, straights, woman, men, and all races. Angelou expressed how
much king consistently prayed for the struggles of Ireland, Palestine and for Israel to eventually
come to peace.
Maya Angelou stood in the place for all the people who has been touched in some way by
Coretta Scott. She stood behind that podium expressing her love for a woman that truly loved
everyone. And a very strong woman. Coretta lost her husband after only being married for 15
years. He was assonated on April 4, 1968 she was left to finish raising the kids and also
continuing the legacy of strength and determination that her husband (Martin Luther King Jr.)
left behind. The assassination of Dr. King made an extra connection between the chosen sisters
(Coretta and Maya) because April fourth is also Maya Angelou birthday. So every year they
either go on missionary trips, sit and laugh, or send cards and flowers to honor both Martin and
Maya. So with this part of her speech I believe shows ethos because both woman show emotion
for having to deal with the loss of Martin and instead of drowning each other with sorrow that
did what he loved to do helping others like Christ suggest we do and also laughing . Maya spoke
on how Coretta usually kept a stern look on because didnt want to be looked as weak. She was a
serious person because she had be with lifestyle she and husband decide to adopt. Dr. King
would always make comments on Coretta not having a sense of humor and lacking the efforts to
laugh. So Maya would make Coretta Scott laugh not only because she needed to but because
Martin wasnt here to do it.

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Mrs. King Coretta Scott King, youre absolutely right. I do believe that peace and justice
should belong to every person, everywhere, all the time, stated by Maya Angelou. Maya knew
how eager her chosen sister was to spread peace. Coretta Scott wanted justice for all because she
felt everyone deserved it. During the conclusion of her speech she spoke in ethos expressing how
much Coretta Scott wanted everyone to feel the enjoyment of freedom. To be able smell the air
without having worries of being judged. Maya Angelou poured the audience such a great cup
how she felt Coretta Scout King wanted the world to remember as. She then altered the
conclusion to becoming a room of promises she felt as if the room and those outside the room
owed something to Coretta Scott King. Not only would be there time to say good bye to Coretta
Scott but it was time to release with peace. Maya Angelou told the audience how she wanted to
see people to continue to fight for freedom and justice. I felt as if she gave them the sense of
hope and to let them know that Coretta is left inside of them. And her legacy should still continue
after she been placed in the ground. Coretta Scott King deserved to go to rest without the worry
that she left the world unfinished.
My overall take of this beautiful speech that was gave by Maya Angelou a woman who
took the world and drew a wonderful picture with her word. The speech was remarkable and I
know that both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his beloved wife and partner with making the
world a better place Mrs. Coretta Scott King were both very pleased. The eulogy made me feel
like I was siting front row listening. She drew my attention in so smoothly I replayed it over and
over because after a while I began to feel like I was walking side by side with Coretta Scott
threw her triumph years. This speech made me more motivated to help follow in Mrs. Scott King
footsteps. It made me realize that giving up is never the answer when you know that if you dont
complete it nobody else will. Having not ever meeting Mrs. Coretta Scott King I feel likes she

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has altered my character. She was such as powerful woman that I have grown to love
tremendously just from hearing the sweet words spoken.