"Segregation was wrong when it was forced by white people, and I believe it is still wrong when it is requested by black people"

Coretta Scott King, a prominent advocate for civil rights and the spouse of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., resolves a complex problem with this quote: the morality of partition regardless of the groups asking for or implementing it. The underlying message is a critique of any type of separation based upon race, whether enforced by external forces or willingly picked by the communities included.

First Of All, Coretta Scott King asserts the intrinsic wrongness of segregation when it is enforced by white individuals, reviewing the historical context of the United States, particularly throughout the Jim Crow age. This duration was defined by systemic racism and lawfully approved segregation, which oppressed and marginalized African Americans, denying them equal opportunities and rights. King explains the undeniable oppression and immorality in this forced separation, which was a cornerstone of the civil liberties motion's battle versus racial inequality.

More intriguingly, King extends her review to situations where partition is preferred or requested by black individuals or communities. This shows a more comprehensive principle she promotes: the belief that segregation in any type prevents real racial equality and social harmony. Even when picked as a way of fostering community solidarity or cultural conservation, segregation can perpetuate divisions and prevent the formation of an inclusive society. By advocating versus voluntarily selected partition, King emphasizes the importance of integration and the power of unity in diversity.

Ultimately, King's quote underscores her commitment to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a society where people of all races exist together in harmony and equitably. She challenges us to consider the broader ramifications of separation, urging a paradigm shift towards genuine inclusivity. This viewpoint promotes cooperation and understanding across racial lines and encourages efforts to build a society that truly values and practices equality and integration.