They are presented annually by the Coretta Scott King Book
Awards Committee of the ALA's Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) to encourage the artistic expression of the African - American experience via
literature and the graphic arts; to promote an understanding and appreciation of the black culture and experience and to commemorate the life and legacy of Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination in supporting the work of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for
peace and world brotherhood.