Dexter King

Dexter Scott King (January 30, 1961 – January 22, 2024) was an American civil rights activist, animal rights activist, and an author. He was the second son of the famous civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Dexter grew up surrounded by the legacy of his father's work to promote equality and justice for all people.

Along with his siblings, Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, and Yolanda King, Dexter carried forward his parents' commitment to social change. He also worked to protect animals and spoke out for their rights. In addition to his activism, Dexter wrote a book called Growing Up King: An Intimate Memoir, where he shared his personal experiences and insights about growing up in such an influential family.

As the grandson of Alberta Williams King and Martin Luther King Sr., Dexter was part of a family deeply rooted in the struggle for civil rights. His life and work continue to inspire many people around the world who believe in making the world a fairer and kinder place for everyone.

Early life

Dexter Scott King was born on January 30, 1961, at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta – Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, to Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. He was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father was a pastor before moving to the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. His oldest sister Yolanda helped look after him when he was young.

When Dexter was seven, his father was assassinated in 1968. He and his brother Martin III saw the news about it on television. Thanks to a trust fund set up by Harry Belafonte, Dexter and his siblings were able to continue their education. Dexter later attended Morehouse College, where he studied business administration, though he did not finish his degree.

Work

Dexter Scott King split his time between Atlanta, Georgia and Malibu, California. In May 1989, he became president of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, though he resigned after four months. He later returned to the role in 1994. As president, he focused on preserving his father’s legacy.

He was a dedicated vegan and animal rights activist. In 2013, he attended the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. He also voiced his father in the 1999 film Our Friend, Martin and portrayed him in the 2002 TV movie The Rosa Parks Story.

Loyd Jowers trial

Main article: Martin Luther King Jr. assassination conspiracy theories

In 1997, Dexter King spoke with James Earl Ray, who was in prison for the 1968 murder of Dexter's father, Martin Luther King Jr. Dexter asked Ray if he had killed his father, and Ray said no. Dexter and his family believed Ray was not responsible and wanted a new trial to find out what really happened.

Later, Dexter talked about another man named Loyd Jowers, who said he knew who the shooter was. Dexter thought the evidence showed that more people might have been involved, including some officials. He hoped to find out the truth about what happened to his father.

Filmography and literary works

Dexter Scott King appeared as an actor in several films and a music video, including The Rosa Parks Story in 2002 and Our Friend, Martin in 1999. He also worked as a producer for projects like King Holiday by King Dream Chorus & Holiday Crew in 1986. As an author, he wrote Growing Up King: An Intimate Memoir with Ralph Wiley, published in 2003 by Grand Central Publishing.

Personal life

Dexter King married Leah Weber in a private ceremony in California in July 2013. He was the second son of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. His siblings included Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, and Yolanda King.

Unfortunately, Dexter faced some difficult times within his family. His mother, Coretta Scott King, passed away in 2006 on his birthday. His sister Yolanda also passed away in 2007. Later, Dexter and his siblings had legal disagreements over family matters, but they eventually resolved these issues and restored their relationships.

Death

Dexter King passed away from prostate cancer at his home in Malibu, California on January 22, 2024, just eight days before his 63rd birthday.