Dexter Scott King, Son of Martin Luther King Jr., Succumbs to Prostate Cancer at 62
A Legacy of Civil Rights and Social Justice
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Dexter Scott King, the beloved son of civil rights luminaries Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. On January 15, 2024, at the age of 62, Dexter succumbed to prostate cancer, leaving an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless admirers around the world.
Born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dexter Scott King was the third of four children born to the iconic civil rights leaders. Named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served as pastor, Dexter grew up immersed in the struggle for equality and social justice. At the tender age of seven, he experienced the profound loss of his father, who was assassinated in 1968.
Embracing His Father’s Legacy and Intellectual Property
As Dexter matured, he pursued a career in law, dedicating his life’s work to preserving the legacy of his father and safeguarding the intellectual property of the King family. He assumed the role of Chairman of the King Center, a testament to his unwavering commitment to honoring his father’s vision of equality and social justice. Additionally, he served as President of the King estate, ensuring the protection and dissemination of the King family’s intellectual property.
Dexter’s contributions to preserving the memory and impact of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. are immeasurable. He tirelessly worked to uphold his father’s principles of nonviolent resistance and racial equality, while also ensuring that the King family’s intellectual property was protected and used to further the cause of civil rights.
A Family United in Grief and Remembrance
The passing of Dexter King has left an irreplaceable void within the King family. His younger sister, Reverend Bernice A. King, expressed her profound sorrow, stating, “Words cannot express the heart break I feel from losing another sibling.” Martin Luther King III, his older brother, shared the family’s shock and devastation, emphasizing the need for prayers during this difficult time.
The King family has requested privacy during this time of mourning, but they have also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from around the world. They have asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the King Center to continue the work of promoting nonviolence, equality, and social justice.
A Celebration of Life and Enduring Impact
The life of Dexter Scott King will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his father’s legacy, his commitment to social justice, and his role as a guardian of the King family’s intellectual property. His contributions to preserving the memory and impact of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. will forever be etched in the annals of history.
We extend our deepest condolences to the King family and all those who were touched by Dexter Scott King’s life. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Additional Information
* Dexter Scott King was born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia.
* He was the third of four children born to Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
* Dexter King attended Morehouse College and Emory University School of Law.
* He served as Chairman of the King Center and President of the King estate.
* Dexter King was married to Leah Weber King and had two children.
* He passed away on January 15, 2024, at the age of 62.
Rest in peace, Dexter Scott King. Your legacy will live on.