Dexter Scott King, the revered son of the iconic civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., passed away on Monday at his residence in Malibu, California. At 62 years old, he courageously battled prostate cancer and peacefully succumbed in his sleep, according to his wife, Leah Weber King.
Dexter, a key figure in upholding his father’s legacy, served as the chairperson of the King Center in Atlanta. His life was dedicated to justice and equality, encompassing roles as an attorney, guardian of intellectual property, and president of the King’s estate.
Expressions of grief and condolences poured in after the King Center’s announcement. Atlanta’s Mayor, Andre Dickens, extended sympathies, highlighting Dexter’s profound love for his family as a guardian of his parents’ legacies.
A graduate of Morehouse College, Dexter King wore various hats in his illustrious career, including humanitarian, civil rights activist, and actor. Mayor Dickens emphasized that, above all, Dexter was a devoted family man.
Dexter Scott King’s untimely demise follows the passing of his mother, Coretta Scott King, in 2006, and his sister, Yolanda King, in 2007. Martin Luther King III, Dexter’s older brother, shared the family’s grief, noting the devastating shock and requesting prayers for the entire King family.
Having faced the challenges of bearing his father’s revolutionary name from a young age, Dexter navigated a path that intertwined with his father’s legacy. He co-authored a memoir, “Growing Up King: An Intimate Memoir,” and portrayed his father in the 2002 film, “The Rosa Parks Story,” reflecting his commitment to preserving and sharing the impactful story of Martin Luther King Jr.
