Times Misses Essence of Coretta King’s Talk

* Once again, The Times has used a grabbing, controversial headline and missed the essence of Coretta King’s inspiring speech (“King Speaks on Simpson Verdict,” Oct. 13). King warmly opened her presentation by thanking the students of Soka for their special rendition of “We Shall Overcome.” She briefly mentioned the O. J. Simpson controversy and put it aside, as it was not a key point for her. She immediately got to the crux of her scheduled speech on human rights and civil rights. She reiterated Dr. Martin Luther King’s messages, which remain so timely even after almost 30 years. It seems that the youth of today have forgotten the civil rights struggles of the past, and consequently battles have to be won again. She said African Americans need to educate themselves about their history so that they can take pride in what accomplishments have been made, which they seem to take for granted today. Developing self-worth and self-esteem are important tasks to be accomplished.

ARLENE E. BERNHOLTZ

West Hills