Dexter Scott King, Son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Dies at 62
With profound sorrow, the King Center announces the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Dexter, a dedicated advocate for his father’s legacy and a passionate champion of social justice, passed away peacefully at his home in California on January 22, 2024, at the age of 62, after a valiant battle with prostate cancer.
A Life Dedicated to Legacy and Social Justice
Born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dexter Scott King carried the mantle of his father’s legacy with unwavering commitment. Named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served his first pastorate, Dexter grew up in the shadow of greatness, witnessing 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, in 1968. Despite this profound tragedy, he drew strength from his family and community, finding solace in the unwavering dedication of his mother, Coretta Scott King, who continued her husband’s fight for justice.
Dexter’s upbringing in Atlanta was deeply rooted in the civil rights movement. He attended Frederick Douglas High School, where he excelled in football and actively participated in various school organizations. Following in his father’s footsteps, he enrolled at Morehouse College in Atlanta, further immersing himself in the legacy of his father and the ongoing struggle for equality.
A Tireless Guardian of Intellectual Property
Dexter’s dedication to his father’s legacy extended beyond his personal life. He assumed the responsibility of protecting the intellectual property (IP) left behind by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ensuring that his father’s words, speeches, and writings would continue to inspire future generations. Through his work as chairman of The King Center and president of the King Estate, Dexter tirelessly safeguarded his father’s legacy, ensuring its enduring impact on the world.
A Love for the Arts and a Balanced Life
Dexter’s passion for the arts found expression in his acting career. He portrayed his father in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story,” bringing to life the iconic civil rights leader with uncanny resemblance and heartfelt conviction. While his love for the arts initially drew him to California, Dexter ultimately answered the call of family duty, balancing his artistic pursuits with his unwavering commitment to the King legacy.
A Devoted Husband and Family Man
In July 2013, Dexter found love and companionship in his best friend and longtime partner, Leah Weber, a New Orleans native, former broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and consultant. Together, they built a life of love, support, and unconditional devotion, mirroring the enduring love shared by Dexter’s parents.
Mourning the Loss of a Beloved Brother and Family Member
Dexter’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in the King family. His sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, expressed her heartbreak in a statement, saying, “Words cannot express the heartache I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time.” His brother, Martin Luther King, III, added, “The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family.”
A Legacy of Inspiration and Service
Dexter Scott King’s life was a testament to the enduring power of legacy, social justice, and the pursuit of equality. His unwavering commitment to his father’s dream of a beloved community, his dedication to intellectual property protection, and his passion for the arts leave a lasting impact on the world. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and the profound contributions he made to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
Tributes and Memories Shared
The news of Dexter Scott King’s passing has evoked an outpouring of tributes, remembrances, and well-wishes from across the globe. Friends, colleagues, and admirers have taken to social media and public platforms to express their sorrow and share their cherished memories of Dexter.
Atlanta Council member Michael Julian Bond, a childhood friend of Dexter, expressed his shock and disbelief at the news. Recalling their playful days growing up in the same neighborhood, Bond remembered Dexter as “a great guy, a warm personality.”
Others, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, the Atlanta City Council, the Georgia NAACP, the Atlanta NAACP, Rep. Carl Gillard, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, and countless others, have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Dexter’s life and contributions.
A Memorial Service to Honor Dexter’s Life
A memorial service to honor Dexter Scott King’s life and legacy will be announced at a later time. The King family requests privacy during this difficult time and will respond to media inquiries following a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m., at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall.
As we bid farewell to Dexter Scott King, we find solace in the words of his father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Dexter’s life exemplified these words, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.