By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO
Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of civil rights leader and icon, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Coretta Scott King, died on Jan. 22 after a battle with prostate cancer.
Dexter King lived with his wife of 11 years, Leah King, in Malibu, Calif.
“He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home,” she said.
At the time of his death, Dexter King was serving as chairman of the King Center and president of the King estate.
An attorney, Dexter King focused on protecting the intellectual property of the King family and managing his father’s legacy.
It was Dexter King who most resembled his father, and was persuaded to play his dad in a small role in the 2002 CBS movie, “The Rosa Parks Story.”
Born in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 1961, and named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Alabama where his father once served as pastor, Dexter King was the third child born to Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King Jr. He was only seven years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn. on April 4, 1968. His mother died on Jan. 30, 2006. Her death was followed by the passing of his oldest sister, Yolanda King, on May 15, 2007.
Dexter King is survived by his wife, Leah, older brother Martin Luther King III, and younger sister Bernice King.
Leaders around the country are sending prayers to the family, including Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07).
“My deepest condolences go out to Martin III, Bernice and the entire King family on the passing of Dexter Scott King, chair of The King Center and president of the King Estates. Our prayers are with you during this time of sorrow and loss. Dexter will be greatly missed by all of us.”
Former U.S. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook said, in a statement, that the passing should serve as a reminder.
“Our hearts go out to the King family and to everyone who was inspired, moved, or changed by Dexter’s life and work. In his memory, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of justice, equality and peace,” she said. “As we honor Dexter Scott King, let us remember the impact one individual can have in continuing a legacy of change. May his memory be a beacon of hope and a call to action for all of us in the continued fight for justice.”
The 100 Black Men of America, a Black-led organization focused on mentoring youths, also weighed in on the death.
“The 100 Black Men of America celebrates the life, legacy, and witness of Dexter Scott King, chairman of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change,” said Milton H. Jones Jr., chairman of the organization, and Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, interfaith chairman, in a statement. “A Morehouse man and an accomplished activist, attorney and creative executive, Dexter King will be remembered for his efforts to protect his family’s legacy and intellectual property. He was also president of the King Estate, ensuring that Dr. and Mrs. King’s affairs were managed with dignity and care.”
“We hope the King family finds encouragement in the promises of Corinthians 2:5,” continued the statement. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
“Rest in peace and power, Chairman Dexter Scott King. Well done”