Leadership - Legacy, Courage, Honor, Inspiration, and Truth

In 2003, while working for Thomson Prometric in Baltimore, MD, I was afforded an opportunity to go to a lecture given by Coretta Scott King. I thought I would share with you my journal notes from that lecture. I have also included the intro I wrote to the King Center when I forwarded the journal entry to them.

Many important life lessons were taught in that lecture. As I wrote in my notes, “Our Mission is stated clearly - We are here to honor Women of Inspiration and Courage. Powerful words are repeated: Legacy, Courage, Honor, Inspiration, and Truth. ” I think you will find out that I was deeply moved and inspired by what was said in two hours and I have carried those two hours with me ever since.

After completing the journal entry from the King lecture, I sent them to all of my peers and friends. While they weren’t there to experience the thrill first hand, they were really grateful to share what they could with me.

THE CHALLENGE: I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend a special lecture this year. Go with the purpose to write a letter to that person after the lecture telling them what you learned, felt, sensed, and how you will apply the learned lessons to your life. When you do, I also encourage you to share your notes with everyone. We can all learn from each other.

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March 2003

Dear King Center Personnel –

My name is Kate Pynn and I work for Prometric, Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland. The women in our company were afforded an excellent experience via our CEO, Michael Brannick to attend the SmartTalk Women’s Lecture Series at the Joseph Myerhoff Symphony Hall. SmartTalk Women's Lecture Series is a five-part lecture series designed to inspire, challenge and enlighten anyone with a strong desire to learn from the personal experiences of accomplished and distinguished women.

Five groups of four accomplished women in Prometric were selected to attend and journal our thoughts at the five lectures given by Lily Tomlin, Coretta Scott King, Ann Richards, Marlee Matlin, and Janet Reno. I was selected to attend Coretta Scott King’s lecture and I believe it was providence that she was the person I was to hear that evening.

I, as is Mrs. King, am a graduate of Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Through my coursework and surroundings, I have been well versed in the history of Mrs. King. She is a leader in the style I appreciate and I have tried to match her commitment and passion in many ways throughout my career. However, it was obvious to me during her lecture that I had much more to learn about this wonderful woman and her place in history.

My journal notes are documented below and, as you might be able to tell, I was completely inspired to write my hearts feelings and passions. I also felt compelled to send this to you and your staff so you would know how much the public appreciates your leader, your work, and your individual efforts. While I don’t agree with all of the policies, I truly believe in the central message of the King family’s work.

Thank you so much for your contributions, your love, and your passion. As I am sure you marvel at every day, it is a pleasure to have such an incredible example for inspiration in your midst.


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Four women from Prometric enter Orchestra Right. The walk to the front of the hall allows us to take in the beauty of the Myerhoff. How grand.

Rounded Corners. Soft lighting. Chatter, laughter, sounds of friends welcoming friends. Old friends meeting again and introductions to new friends are all around our seats. Sharing travels, parking lot woes, and city snow experiences. There are agreements and disagreements but respectful discussions.

Soft velvet purple light shining on a pale wood stage. Grand piano- well worn, well loved. Majestic choir enters Stage Left - shiny gold and royal purple robed members float in and make their way to Stage Center. Crowd stills to quiet anticipation of gospel sounds. Not aware yet of what we will see, what we will hear, what we will experience on this stage tonight. Choir awaits their cue from their Choir Master.

An announcer quiets the audience. Soft clapping. Polite, not enthusiastic.

A speaker enters Stage Right. A welcome. Our Mission is stated clearly - We are here to honor Women of Inspiration and Courage. Powerful words are repeated: Legacy, Courage, Honor, Inspiration, and Truth. Meaningful descriptions are provided: Passion for work, strong religious beliefs, and love for music.

Music - Not what you immediately think about when you hear the name King. However, Coretta Scott King studied to be a professional singer and musician. It is one of her passions. We will hear words from her about finding and maintaining your own passion in moments to come.

Honored to be part of Mrs. King's lecture and fulfilling one of her joys, the Choir Master stands and glides to Stage Center. Raising his hands, he directs the pianist to start the introduction to The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Audience starts to nod their heads in recognition. Classic. Powerful. Moving. Passionate.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored,
He has loosed the fateful lightening of His terrible swift sword
His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

Fifty or so Choir People in absolute perfect Harmony. Completely Synced. Total TEAM WORK. Chills run down spines as two soloists perform tight harmonies. The Choir Master directs them to slow down so their beautiful song lasts. One thousand sets of eyes ask them to "Make the song last - I am feeling inspired - Make that feeling last". Ah - PERFECTION.

As the Hymn ends, the audience claps with intense appreciation. Some rise to their feet. The Choir Master is happy - pleased with the performance. He acknowledges the Choir and the Pianist, for it would be nothing without them. And they acknowledge the Choir Master, for it would be nothing without him. Ultimate Team Performance.

A whisper arises - we want more. And we are given our wish. It is a deeply religious song. It was written when life was sometimes unbearable and always hard but somehow people found joy - in themselves, their family, their history, and their faith. God will be there with you through it all and will stand with you at your day of reckoning. Last word of the prayer-like song is repeated three times - deep symbolism. Joy.... JOy... JOY!

Choir exits Stage Left with enthusiastic clapping and calls of encouragement. And then Mrs. King enters Stage Right.

The Audience, as one, rises. We stand for her accomplishments, her legacy, and the immensity of the History she represents. She changed the world. She was part of meaning and depth of feeling. She was part of creating a Philosophy. She was King.

She is unassuming. Neither a powerful nor a dynamic speaker. She is Everyman- standing up for her beliefs. A true steward of humanity. She thanks everyone connected with the success of the lecture series. It is a great lesson she teaches in a subtle way - always remember to thank everyone for his or her involvement - no matter how big or small.

She speaks about how societal "Definition" can never encompass all that she has to offer human kind or herself. She is Complex. She is all the definitions and more. And she has Dreams of her own as well as the ones she shares with her husband. She is still on a Journey and she has ups and downs like everyone else. But she also believes in Hard Work. It is a life-long work ethic that is earth-bound and is surrounded by family teachings - forgiveness, sharing, and unconditional LOVE.

Central to growing up in segregation and a racist environment, the question that all children eventually ask is "WHY". And the answer she got from her Mother when she asked that loaded question was not accusatory, not complaining. It was a life-long lesson - You are equal. You are a good person. Make sure you become educated. Make sure you can take care of yourself. Make sure you can stand on your own feet. Do not depend on anyone to make yourself feel good about you.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

It takes long hours and many sacrifices to make life better - for yourself, for your children, for your community, for your country, for the world. But the desire for this betterment is common to most families, to most communities. Stories abound of the past highlighting the dreams for the future - Thousands of hours of hard work were spent during the one-year Bus Boycott in Alabama. While it was hard and difficult and frightening at times, it was enjoyable because of the community, the shared sacrifice, and the knowledge that life would be better at the end.

"We must beat HATE with LOVE" - MLK, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. set the tone for the civil rights movement with his speech on his front porch after his house had been bombed. His wife and children were at risk, being threatened with death. But he looked at the future. He looked toward the long journey ahead and knew that a no retaliation and no violence message was the path he had to follow and his calling to lead people down that path with him was strong. While violence was all around them, the Kings took a non-violent stance believing it was a powerful tool for humanity.

Through a single success in Montgomery Alabama, there became a tidal wave of successes. However, even with those successes, there were extreme tragedies and failures. The setbacks were emotional, heartbreaking, and horrifying but through it all, the faith never swayed from the cause and the human and spirit sacrifices were vindicated with the end of segregation and the start of equality in America.

Mrs. King taught another lesson - Always strive to find a balance between your work, your own life and your family. For women especially, there are so many responsibilities and so little time but all of it has to be done so you do it. Depend on your friends and family for support and help. She relied heavily on her community after the assassination of her husband. And the community relies heavily on her in their times of need. You must give of yourself for others to give of themselves.

"Unconditional Love is the most healing force on earth. Love is not just how to make a better world, it is the only way."
- Coretta Scott King

Mrs. King is deeply passionate about many political causes - universal health care, gun control, ending the death penalty, encouraging women to find empowerment through entering public service in policy making positions, and affirmative action. No matter what the personal affiliations, politics, and beliefs are, the audience listened to the message - accept all people from all walks of life. Unconditional Love. Love.

The lecture ends with people rising from the seats again with enlightened hearts and inspired souls. But the series is not over. An interviewer offers Mrs. King a chair on stage to answer a couple questions from the audience. Most questions were focused around her thoughts on the impending war with Iraq. As expected, through the philosophy of non-violence, she is against the war. Again, the message is sent and received even if there is a difference of thought regarding the topic - love is the way. It is the answer. Persistence is everything - never give up on your principles, your beliefs, and your true passion.

There was another question - Is MLK's Birthday too commercialized? Resounding NO. Thousands of hours have been logged on that day - it is a day of service. But there is so much to be done. While some corporations do acknowledge the date with a day of service, the majority is still slow to respond. The MLK Foundation assists companies to solute GREATNESS in employees by their activities and volunteer work in their communities. They encourage improving the quality of life for all.

Last question – Does Mrs. King reflect on the past? Smiles. Obvious scenes of her life pass in a flick of the moment. There are always moments of reflection for Mrs. King. There is so far to go but you still have to feel good about how far you have come. Another fantastic lesson - always look for the points of success to encourage you to continue towards more success. Take a moment of pride in the work that has been done, even if the journey has not yet been completed.

Another lesson soon comes - Always remember from where you came. Look at your lifetime's milestones. Remember history - yours, your community's, your country's, and the world's - because the lessons learned by others can help you save time and effort in reaching your goals.

Then another - Never be bitter. Always give of yourself. Always love your fellow man. Be happy as much as you can because there are always days that will cause you grief and you need to sustain yourself with as many happy days as possible.

Then came the big lesson - Have a healthy sense of you. Have encouraging people around you and don't worry about people who are not encouraging.

Eventually, there were final thoughts because time passes quickly. She said - don't be remembered by awards. Be remembered by being loving, giving back, changing the world through love. Be grateful. Be a motivation to others.

Be a King.