Dexter Scott King, Beloved Son of Civil Rights Icons, Passes Away at 62
With profound sorrow, the King Center announces the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the legendary civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Dexter, a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for social justice, succumbed to a valiant battle with prostate cancer on January 22, 2024, at the age of 62.
A Legacy Steeped in Civil Rights and Social Justice
Dexter’s life was a testament to the enduring legacy of his parents. Born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served as pastor. Growing up in the shadow of his father’s iconic leadership, Dexter witnessed firsthand the transformative power of nonviolent activism and the pursuit of equality.
At the tender age of seven, Dexter experienced an unimaginable loss when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. This defining moment propelled him on a lifelong journey to honor his father’s memory and continue his unfinished work. Dexter attended Frederick Douglas High School in Atlanta, where he excelled academically and actively participated in extracurricular activities, including football and various school organizations.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Dexter enrolled at Morehouse College in Atlanta, the alma mater of both his parents. There, he immersed himself in the intellectual and cultural traditions that shaped his father’s worldview. After graduating from Morehouse, Dexter embarked on a career in acting, drawn to the power of storytelling to convey powerful messages.
Steward of His Father’s Legacy and Intellectual Property
However, destiny had a different path in store for Dexter. He felt a profound calling to safeguard his father’s legacy and protect the intellectual property that embodied Dr. King’s life and work. With unwavering dedication, Dexter assumed the mantle of Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate.
Dexter’s expertise in intellectual property law allowed him to effectively manage and license his father’s works, ensuring their continued relevance and impact on future generations. He tirelessly worked to preserve and promote Dr. King’s teachings, ensuring that his father’s dream of a just and equitable society remained alive.
A Life Filled with Love, Family, and Personal Fulfillment
Despite his immense responsibilities, Dexter never lost sight of the importance of family and personal fulfillment. In July 2013, he married his best friend and soulmate, Leah Weber, a New Orleans native and former broadcast journalist. Together, they built a life filled with love, support, and unwavering commitment, mirroring the enduring bond shared by Dexter’s parents.
Dexter’s passing leaves an immense void in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless individuals inspired by his unwavering dedication to social justice. He is survived by his devoted wife, Leah Weber King; his sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center; his brother, Martin Luther King, III; and his niece, Yolanda Renee King.
Tributes and Memories Pour In for Dexter Scott King
The passing of Dexter Scott King has elicited an outpouring of tributes, remembrances, and heartfelt condolences from across the globe. Friends, colleagues, and admirers have taken to social media and public platforms to express their sorrow and celebrate Dexter’s life and contributions.
Atlanta Council member Michael Julian Bond, a childhood friend of Dexter, shared his shock and grief. He recalled their playful days growing up in the same neighborhood, playing football and riding bikes together. Bond remembered Dexter as a warm and genuine individual who left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed his condolences, acknowledging Dexter’s unwavering love for his family and his role as a guardian of his parents’ legacies. He commended Dexter’s diverse contributions, from his work as a Morehouse Man and humanitarian to his activism for civil rights and his brief foray into acting.
The Atlanta City Council issued a statement honoring Dexter’s profound impact on the legacy of the King family and the broader struggle for equality and justice. They extended their deepest sympathies to his wife, siblings, and the entire King Center family.
The Georgia NAACP and the Atlanta NAACP joined in mourning Dexter’s passing, recognizing his dedication to advancing civil rights, equality, and justice. They lauded his tireless efforts to promote social justice, community development, and his role in carrying forward the principles of nonviolent activism espoused by his parents.
Rep. Carl Gillard, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, offered condolences on behalf of the caucus, highlighting Dexter’s work as chairman of The King Center and president of the King Estate. He encouraged everyone to keep the King family, especially Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber, in their prayers.
A Legacy that Lives On: Social Justice, Unwavering Commitment, and Enduring Love
Dexter Scott King’s life was a testament to the enduring power of nonviolent activism and the pursuit of equality. Through his work at The King Center and the King Estate, he ensured that his father’s teachings and vision continued to inspire and guide generations to come. His dedication to intellectual property law allowed him to safeguard Dr. King’s works, ensuring their continued relevance and impact on future generations.
Dexter’s commitment to family and personal fulfillment was equally unwavering. His marriage to Leah Weber was a testament to the love and support that sustained him throughout his life. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and unwavering commitment.
Dexter Scott King’s passing leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. However, his legacy of social justice, his unwavering commitment to his father’s dream, and his love for family and community will continue to inspire and guide those who strive for a more just and equitable world.