The passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, was announced by The King Center on January 22. Dexter succumbed to prostate cancer at the age of 62 after a valiant battle. His wife, Leah Weber King, expressed that he peacefully transitioned in his sleep at their home in Malibu, where he fought the disease with bravery until the end.
Dexter, born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served his first pastorate. Growing up in the shadow of his father’s legacy, he faced the tragedy of his father’s assassination in 1968 at the age of seven. Dexter spent his formative years at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his grandfather served as pastor. He graduated from Frederick Douglas High School and pursued higher education at Morehouse College, following his father’s footsteps.
Dexter played a crucial role in continuing his father’s legacy by legally protecting his work. He dedicated his life to preserving Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s intellectual property (IP). At the time of his death, Dexter served as the Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate. Balancing his love for the arts, Dexter also portrayed his father in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.”
In July 2013, Dexter married Leah Weber, his best friend and longtime partner, in a private ceremony. Together, they built a life centered on love, support, and unconditional devotion, mirroring the commitment of Dexter’s parents.
The news of Dexter’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences. Atlanta Council member Michael Julian Bond, who grew up with Dexter, expressed shock and sadness, remembering him as a warm personality. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised Dexter’s profound love for his family and his multifaceted contributions, including his roles as a Morehouse Man, humanitarian, civil rights activist, and actor. The Atlanta City Council acknowledged Dexter’s lasting impact on the King family legacy and the broader struggle for equality and justice.
The Georgia NAACP and the Atlanta NAACP recognized Dexter’s dedication to advancing civil rights, equality, and justice. They expressed condolences and emphasized his tireless efforts in promoting social justice, civil rights, and community development.
Rep. Carl Gillard, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, offered condolences on behalf of the caucus, highlighting Dexter’s role as a friend to the King family and his significant contributions.
The King family has requested privacy during this time of mourning. A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m., at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall, where further details may be shared. A memorial service will be announced later.
Dexter Scott King’s life, marked by his commitment to justice, preservation of his father’s legacy, and his love for the arts, leaves an indelible mark on the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights. His passing is mourned not only by his family but by a global community that recognizes the profound impact of the King family’s contributions to social justice.