Dexter King Parents: Meet Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King

Dexter Scott King, a prominent American civil and animal rights activist, attorney, and author, played a vital role in continuing the profound legacy established by his iconic parents, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

Born on January 30, 1961, at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Hughes Spalding Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Dexter Scott King inherited a name synonymous with courage, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.

Named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father once served as pastor before leading the congregation at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Dexter’s very existence became a testament to the rich history of the civil rights movement.

Growing up under the watchful eyes of his elder sister, Yolanda, Dexter’s childhood was marked by a tragic event that would shape his understanding of the world. At the tender age of seven, he witnessed the devastating assassination of his father, Martin Luther King Jr., an event that left an indelible mark on his young heart.

Despite the immense loss, Dexter, along with his siblings, was ensured an education through the foresight and generosity of Harry Belafonte. The renowned artist had set up a trust fund for the King children years before the tragic death of their father.

Dexter King’s journey led him to Morehouse College, where he pursued a course in business administration from 1979 to 1984. Although he left Morehouse before completing his degree, the experience ignited a passion for politics after attending the Democratic National Convention in 1972.

Dexter Scott King’s commitment to justice and equality mirrored the ideals of his parents. Tragically, he succumbed to prostate cancer at his Malibu residence on January 22, 2024, just days before his 63rd birthday. His passing marked the end of an era but left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations to stand up against injustice.

As we remember Dexter Scott King, we acknowledge the profound influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in shaping not only his life but also the course of history.