Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and a stalwart guardian of his father’s legacy, died on January 22. King, aged 62, succumbed to prostate cancer at his home in Malibu, as confirmed by his wife of 11 years, Leah Weber King. She described his passing as peaceful, surrounded by love and bravery.
King’s death marks a profound loss for the civil rights community and the King family. His sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, and brother, Martin Luther King III, expressed deep sorrow and shock at his passing. Born in Atlanta on January 30, 1961, King was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father began his pastoral career.
Educated at Frederick Douglas High School and Morehouse College, King mirrored his father’s path, emerging as a dedicated advocate for civil rights and the preservation of Dr. King’s intellectual property. He served as both Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate, a testament to his commitment to his family’s legacy.
In addition to his administrative roles, King had a brief stint in acting, notably portraying his father in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” This foray into the creative arts was balanced with his unwavering dedication to upholding his family’s heritage. King’s marriage to Leah Weber, a New Orleans native and former broadcast journalist, in 2013, was a union marked by mutual support and love, echoing the bond shared by his parents.
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King’s death follows those of his father in 1968, mother in 2006, and sister Yolanda in 2007. He leaves behind his wife Leah Weber King, sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, brother Martin Luther King III, and niece Yolanda Renee King, among other family members.
The King family has requested privacy during this difficult time and plans to hold a press conference on January 23 at The King Center.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Dexter Scott King’s life and contributions will be remembered as pivotal in the ongoing journey towards civil rights and social change, standing as a beacon of his father’s enduring legacy.
