Dexter Scott King, MLK Jr.'s son, dies at 62 after cancer battle
9:42 AM EST, January 23, 2024
The recent passing of Dexter Scott King, the younger son of civil rights icons Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, marks a profound moment of loss and reflection. Dexter, aged 62, died of prostate cancer at his home in Malibu, California.
A Life Dedicated to Upholding a Legacy
Dexter, born into a family symbolic of the fight for civil rights, was just 7 years old when his father was assassinated in 1968. He carried the weight of this legacy throughout his life, dedicating himself to preserving and advancing his parents' vision. As the chairman of the King Center in Atlanta and the president of the King estate, Dexter played a crucial role in safeguarding the intellectual property and enduring impact of the King family's work.
A Family Mourns, A Nation Reflects
The King family's grief is palpable in the statements released by Dexter's siblings. His older brother, Martin Luther King III, expressed the sudden shock and difficulty in finding the right words to ask for prayers for the family during this challenging time. Dexter's younger sister, the Rev. Bernice A. King, shared her heartbreak over losing another sibling, highlighting Dexter's death's profound impact on the King family and the larger community that reveres their work.
The King's Legacy Continues
Despite Dexter's passing, the King family's commitment to civil rights and social justice endures. The King Center, which Dexter served diligently, continues to be a beacon for education and activism in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. As the world mourns Dexter Scott King, it also celebrates the enduring influence of a family that has shaped the course of American history and continues to inspire future generations.
Dexter Scott King's life and work remind us of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. His passing is not just a loss for his family but for all who draw inspiration from the King's legacy.
