Coretta's King: An Artist's Perspective

, a multidisciplinary performance honoring the life, legacy, and artistic spirit of Coretta Scott King will be presented on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the historic Bayview Opera House in San Francisco in collaboration with the Zellerbach Family Foundation, the San Francisco Chapter of The Links Incorporated and NorCal MLK Foundation.

Coretta’s King offers a deeply human and creative exploration of Coretta Scott King as a woman, a vocal artist, and a visionary partner in the Civil Rights Movement. Once a promising opera singer, Coretta made a historic and life-altering decision to align in marriage, soul, and purpose with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a choice that helped shape one of the most transformative movements in American history. This work centers her voice and agency, illuminating her enduring legacy of enlightenment, advocacy, and impact.

Through music, movement, poetry, and narrative, the performance imagines two paths: the allure of a career as a concert soprano, and the calling to stand alongside Dr. King in the pursuit of justice. The production features an exceptional ensemble of artists, including award-winning harpist, author, and playwright Destiny Muhammad (creator of Coretta’s King); internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Jeannine Anderson as Coretta; poet and playwright Brian Freeman as Martin; and faith-based dancer and choreographer William Brewton Fowler Jr.

Following the performance, a moderated panel discussion will deepen audience understanding and engagement. The noted womanist theologian Rev. Dr. Valerie Miles-Tribble observed that “[w]hile Coretta Scott King is recognized as the architect of the King legacy and founder of the MLK Center, few realized the integral placement of her justice worldview and activism to influence the public role of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Dr. Aaron Grizzell, Executive Director of the NorCalMLK Foundation, will host a panel that will examine Coretta Scott King’s legacy with Dr. Miles-Tribble, Professor of Ministerial Leadership and Practical Theology at the Berkeley School of Theology and core doctoral professor at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, Rev. Dr. Sakena Young-Scaggs, Senior Associate Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life and Pastor of the Memorial Church at Stanford University, and artist/creator Destiny Muhammad.”

At a moment when the nation reflects on 250 years of democracy, this work reminds audiences that freedom is not a completed achievement — it is an ongoing collaboration between generations. Coretta Scott King did not simply inherit a movement. She helped initiate it, interpret it, and carry it forward.

Coretta’s King asks audiences — especially young people — to consider their own role in shaping the future: Not whether history will continue, but who will choose to participate in it. As historic reflection, artistic experience, and civic invitation it honors legacy while empowering audiences to see themselves as the next stewards of the American story.

Doors open at 5:00 PM, the performance begins at 6:00 PM, and the panel discussion follows at 7:15 PM.

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