A MEMORABLE FUNERAL
50 years ago, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, could it be imagined a funeral for a black
woman attended by four presidents, several senators, many dignitaries, and a host of celebrities including the ultimate host, Oprah? That’s what we had yesterday with the funeral of Coretta Scott King. Maybe the crowds, the pageantry, and the media attention were in part a make-up for lesser appreciation given for her husband, Martin Luther King Jr. But there was no doubting the sincere respect for Mrs. King evidenced during the ceremonies.
What an event! Glorious singing by choirs and soloists, moving tributes, anecdotes, both touching and humorous. The six-hour service, held in the vast two-tiered sanctuary of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, was attended by 15,000 inside with tens of thousands gathered outside. The services included performances by Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton, and the gospel stars CeCe and BeBe Winans.
One of the first speakers was President George W. Bush, who delivered warmly a well-written speech. His father’s speech included several casual remarks appreciated by the audience. This audience gave a standing thunderous ovation to former President Bill Clinton. Speaking without notes, Mr. Clinton began by saying, "I'm honored to be here with my president and my former presidents." Then he paused briefly and gestured toward Mrs. Clinton, apparently suggesting that he wanted to say future president, too. The crowd cheered.
Other political moments were directed at failures of the administration of President Bush. Gibes included President Carter’s reference to wiretapping and references by others to Katrina, continued poverty in our country, and the myth of weapons of mass destruction.
Some have complained about the “politicizing” of this funeral. But this was much more than a funeral. It was also a coming together for our country, it was an uplifting tribute, it was media event marking a change in eras, it was an American celebration.
50 years ago, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, could it be imagined a funeral for a black
woman attended by four presidents, several senators, many dignitaries, and a host of celebrities including the ultimate host, Oprah? That’s what we had yesterday with the funeral of Coretta Scott King. Maybe the crowds, the pageantry, and the media attention were in part a make-up for lesser appreciation given for her husband, Martin Luther King Jr. But there was no doubting the sincere respect for Mrs. King evidenced during the ceremonies.
What an event! Glorious singing by choirs and soloists, moving tributes, anecdotes, both touching and humorous. The six-hour service, held in the vast two-tiered sanctuary of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, was attended by 15,000 inside with tens of thousands gathered outside. The services included performances by Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton, and the gospel stars CeCe and BeBe Winans.
One of the first speakers was President George W. Bush, who delivered warmly a well-written speech. His father’s speech included several casual remarks appreciated by the audience. This audience gave a standing thunderous ovation to former President Bill Clinton. Speaking without notes, Mr. Clinton began by saying, "I'm honored to be here with my president and my former presidents." Then he paused briefly and gestured toward Mrs. Clinton, apparently suggesting that he wanted to say future president, too. The crowd cheered.
Other political moments were directed at failures of the administration of President Bush. Gibes included President Carter’s reference to wiretapping and references by others to Katrina, continued poverty in our country, and the myth of weapons of mass destruction.
Some have complained about the “politicizing” of this funeral. But this was much more than a funeral. It was also a coming together for our country, it was an uplifting tribute, it was media event marking a change in eras, it was an American celebration.
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