Dexter Scott King, the vibrant force behind his iconic father’s legacy, passed away at the age of 62 in his California residence, as confirmed by The King Center.
On January 22, Dexter succumbed to the challenges posed by prostate cancer, leaving a void in the hearts of those who admired his resilience. Leah Weber King, his devoted wife of 11 years and steadfast supporter of two decades, shared, “He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu. He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might.”
The news reverberated through the King family, with his sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, expressing profound sorrow, stating, “Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time.” Martin Luther King, III, his brother, added, “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.”
Born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Dexter’s name carried the weight of history, a nod to the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served his initial pastorate. Enduring the loss of his father at a tender age of seven, Dexter grew up in the embrace of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, echoing his father’s footsteps. A graduate of Frederick Douglas High School, he immersed himself in football and various school organizations before following the familial tradition by attending Morehouse College in Atlanta.
Dexter’s journey mirrored the indomitable spirit of the King legacy, and his departure leaves an indelible mark on the ongoing narrative of the civil rights movement.
