A new generation takes the mic
The urgency of Coretta Scott King’s message of justice, equity, and love feels more relevant than ever. In a world still grappling with the same challenges she devoted her life to confronting—racism, poverty, and militarism—her vision of the “Beloved Community” remains both a reminder and a rallying cry, urging us to fight for a world where compassion leads and justice prevails. But what does it mean to carry a vision born during the Civil Rights Movement forward today, in a world still yearning for progress?
For a group of college students, this question became deeply personal. Inspired by Mrs. King’s teachings and equipped with modern tools, they created ReThink: The Special Series, a podcast from The King Center created in partnership with Spotify and Microsoft. The podcast brings together conversations with the students’ peers and interviewees, amplifying Mrs. King’s legacy while addressing the pressing challenges of their generation.
“Coretta Scott King’s life and legacy teach us that the seeds we sow in our young minds now have the potential to create real change,” said podcaster Ann’gel Lewis, graduate student at Georgia State University. ”Her dedication to her passions, even with limited resources at the start, and her resilience in the face of adversity are inspiring.”
To bring their vision for ReThink to life authentically, the students leaned on an unexpected collaborator in their creative journey: Microsoft Copilot. From organizing workflows to distilling complex ideas into clear, engaging narratives, the AI-powered assistant supported them in ensuring every episode stayed true to Mrs. King’s powerful message while speaking directly to a modern audience.
After Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Mrs. King carried his legacy forward, advocating for nonviolence, justice, and equality. Her work on the Poor People’s Campaign, her leadership in the National Committee for Full Employment, and her dedication to The King Center demonstrated her resilience and purpose.
ReThink co-host Majeste Graves, graduate of Fayetteville State University, admires Mrs. King’s ability to turn grief into action: “Faith in the Beloved Community is the central purpose of her legacy,” said Graves. “‘When heartbreak knocked on my door, I had to learn to let faith answer.’ This phrase reflects the optimism Mrs. King needed to continue honoring her husband and nurturing her ‘fifth child,’ The King Center.”
For co-host Tomia Zongkazih, Mrs. King’s life offered an example of strength and purpose. “Even though ‘the world seemed to have lost its color’ when her husband was assassinated, she found strength in using it as a driving force to confront the challenges of carrying on his legacy,” she said.
For Hamilton, Mrs. King’s commitment to nonviolence and compassion offers a guiding principle for addressing today’s challenges. “In a world rife with conflict and division, her message resonates deeply, advocating for dialogue and understanding over hostility,” he shared.
These and other reflections formed the foundation of ReThink, guiding the students as they set out to reimagine Mrs. King’s timeless message, while leveraging AI to navigate its modern complexity. As Lewis explained, “One of the most significant advantages of using Copilot was how it made the process easier for us as first-time podcast creators. It helped transform our ideas from mere concepts to reality.”
A new generation speaks
Each episode of ReThink explores what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the “triple evils” of racism, poverty, and militarism—a framework amplified by Mrs. King. Blending historical context with contemporary insights, the students addressed these themes with clarity and purpose, supported by Copilot to distill complex ideas and craft engaging narratives.
“Using Copilot for ReThink has been a game-changer,” said Graves, who noted how it elevated the podcast’s overall quality, efficiency, and creativity. “Additionally, Copilot’s ability to assist with tasks such as editing, transcribing, and organizing narrative has streamlined the workflow, allowing the team to focus on more creative aspects.”
Zongkazih called Copilot “an indispensable asset,” noting its ability to refine interview questions to ensure discussions felt intentional, setting a high standard for ReThink episodes.
Where do we go from here?
Through ReThink, the students ensure that Mrs. King’s voice continues to inspire, challenge, and empower. Their work goes beyond honoring her legacy; it amplifies her vision, using innovative tools like Copilot to build a bridge between the past and the future.
“Through Coretta Scott King’s teachings, we learn that progress is possible when love leads the way,” said Zongkazih, capturing the heart of the students’ mission.
Wolfe reflected on the journey, saying, “We weren’t just creating a podcast. We were crafting a conversation that honors Mrs. King’s legacy while addressing the pressing issues of our time.”
Hamilton added, “Her legacy reminds us that our collective efforts, driven by love and justice, pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.”
ReThink is more than a tribute—it’s a reminder that progress requires collaboration, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Mrs. King’s torch burns brightly in their hands, lighting the way for us all.
