Dexter Scott King, Son of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Passes Away at 62

Dexter Scott King, the beloved son of the iconic civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has sadly passed away at the age of 62. His family confirmed his death on Sunday in California, revealing that he had been battling prostate cancer. The news of his passing has left his loved ones and the world in deep sorrow.

A Heartbreaking Loss for the King Family

The youngest of the King children, Bernice King, expressed her profound heartbreak, stating, “Words cannot express the heartbreak. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time.” Martin Luther King III, the oldest sibling, also shared his grief, saying, “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 Life Dedicated to Preserving a Legacy

Dexter King’s journey began at Morehouse College, where he pursued his education. Later, he took on the crucial role of chairman of the King Center, leading the efforts to safeguard his family’s legacy and intellectual property. He also held the position of president of the King Estate, further solidifying his commitment to preserving his father’s impactful work.

The King Center paid tribute to Dexter King, acknowledging his tireless dedication, stating, “He was the family member delegated to take on the mantle of continuing the precedent his father set by legally protecting his work. He devoted his life to the continued perpetuation of his father’s legacy and the protection of the intellectual property his father left behind.”

A Name Honoring a Significant Place

Named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served as a pastor in the 1950s, Dexter King carried a name steeped in history and significance. From a young age, he understood the weight of his father’s contributions to the civil rights movement and the responsibility he had to carry that legacy forward.

An Unfortunate Loss at a Tender Age

Dexter King was only 7 years old when his father was tragically assassinated in 1968. Despite the immense loss he experienced at such a tender age, he carried his father’s teachings and principles with grace and determination throughout his life.