Dorothy Cotton

Dorothy Cotton
Born	January 5, 1930 Goldsboro, North Carolina, United States
Died	June 10, 2018 Ithaca, New York, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Civil Rights Leader
Known for	Leadership in the Civil Rights Movement

Dorothy Cotton (January 5, 1930 – June 10, 2018) was a prominent American civil rights leader, best known for her work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and her close association with Martin Luther King Jr. She was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and played a significant role in the education and empowerment of African Americans during the 1960s.

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Cotton was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where she grew up in a segregated society. Despite the challenges of racial discrimination, she pursued education with determination. Cotton attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and Library Science. She later pursued graduate studies at Boston University.

Civil Rights Activism

Dorothy Cotton's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement began in earnest when she joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1960. At the SCLC, she served as the Director of the Citizenship Education Program (CEP), a crucial initiative aimed at educating African Americans about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The program was instrumental in empowering individuals to register to vote and to participate actively in the democratic process.

Citizenship Education Program

The Citizenship Education Program, under Cotton's leadership, conducted workshops throughout the southern United States. These workshops taught literacy, civic engagement, and nonviolent protest techniques. Cotton's work in this area was vital in preparing African Americans to challenge segregation and discrimination through informed and peaceful means.

Relationship with Martin Luther King Jr.

Dorothy Cotton was a close confidante of Martin Luther King Jr., and she was one of the few women in his inner circle. She traveled extensively with King and was present at many pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 and the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965.

Later Life and Legacy

After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Cotton continued her work in civil rights and education. She held various positions, including serving as the Vice President for Field Operations at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

In her later years, Cotton remained active in promoting social justice and equality. She was a sought-after speaker and educator, sharing her experiences and insights with new generations of activists.

Dorothy Cotton passed away on June 10, 2018, in Ithaca, New York. Her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and her dedication to education and empowerment have left a lasting impact on American society.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Southern Christian Leadership Conference
• Martin Luther King Jr.

References

• "Dorothy Cotton, Civil Rights Pioneer, Dies at 88." The New York Times, June 11, 2018.
• "Dorothy Cotton: Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement." NPR, June 12, 2018.

External Links

• [Dorothy Cotton Institute](http://www.dorothycottoninstitute.org/)