– Son of civil rights icon
– Dexter King.
The Passing of Dexter Scott King: A Legacy of Civil Rights
ATLANTA — Dexter Scott King, the devoted son of civil rights icons, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away on Monday at the age of 62. Dexter King, who dedicated much of his life to preserving his parents’ civil rights legacy, succumbed to prostate cancer after a valiant battle. The King Center in Atlanta, where he served as chairman, confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, Calif., according to a statement from his wife, Leah Weber King.
A Life Shaped by the Civil Rights Movement
The third of the Kings’ four children, Dexter King was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., where his father served as a pastor during the historic Montgomery bus boycott in 1955. Tragically, Dexter was just 7 years old when his father was assassinated in April 1968 while supporting striking sanitation workers in Memphis.
In the face of such profound loss, Dexter King transformed his pain into activism, dedicating his life to advancing the dream his parents had for their children and others. Reverend Al Sharpton, in a heartfelt statement, expressed his sorrow, saying that Dexter King had left us far too soon.
A Memoir of Reflection and Resilience
In his 2004 memoir, “Growing Up King,” Dexter reflected on the impact his father’s assassination had on his childhood and the trajectory of his life. He shared that from the age of 7, he felt compelled to adopt a formal demeanor, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining composure in the face of life’s challenges.
A Striking Resemblance
As an adult, Dexter King bore a striking resemblance to his famous father, so much so that he was cast to portray him in a 2002 television movie about Rosa Parks, with Angela Bassett in the leading role. Dexter’s physical likeness to his father served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the King family.
Preserving the King Legacy
Beyond his activism, Dexter King also worked tirelessly to protect the King family’s intellectual property rights. In addition to serving as chairman of the King Center, he held the position of president of the King estate. His commitment to preserving his parents’ legacy extended far beyond his personal dedication to civil rights causes.
A Family Left Behind
Dexter King is survived by his wife, Leah Weber King, as well as his older brother, Martin Luther King III, his younger sister, the Rev. Bernice A. King, and his teenage niece, Yolanda Renee King. The passing of Dexter King follows the deaths of his mother, Coretta Scott King, in 2006, and his older sister, Yolanda Denise King, in 2007.
In Conclusion
The passing of Dexter Scott King marks a significant loss for the civil rights movement and the King family. His unwavering commitment to advancing his parents’ dream and his tireless efforts to protect their legacy will forever be remembered. Dexter’s passing serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice, and his memory will continue to inspire generations to come.
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– Son of civil rights icon
– Dexter King.
