(inset photo) Dexter Scott King; (far right) Rev. Bernice King speaking at press conference discussing her brother Dexter’s passing.
As the world continues to mourn the loss of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the legendary civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, his family and loved ones gathered to pay beautiful homage to him.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with wife, Coretta Scott King
As we previously reported, on Monday, January 22, 2024 Dexter tragically succumbed to prostate cancer at the age of 62. In an emotional press conference held at the King Nonviolent Center for Social Change in Atlanta on Tuesday, Reverend Dr. Bernice King, Dexter’s sister, shared the heartbreaking details of his battle with the disease and his unwavering dedication to their father’s legacy.
With tearful eyes, Reverend Bernice King struggled to find words to honor her beloved brother. She described how Dexter fought his cancer for three and a half years, displaying immense strength until the very end. “He kept the faith. His might was strong until the end,” she said, her voice filled with pride and sorrow.
Dexter’s passing marks yet another tragic loss for the King family, coming less than a year after the passing of their oldest sister, Christine King Farris, at the age of 95. Dexter’s mother, Coretta Scott King, a prominent civil rights activist in her own right, also passed away in 2006.
Bernice King and Dexter Scott King, children of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King
As Chairman of The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Dexter dedicated his life to protecting and advancing his parents’ profound influence on the world. Bernice King described her brother as an innovative leader, fiercely dedicated and at the forefront of their family’s mission.
The press conference revealed that Dexter was cremated on the same day as his passing, in accordance with his wishes. A memorial service to honor his life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Bernice King cherished the time she spent with her brother before his death, remembering his words of encouragement, “I’m proud of you. Keep this legacy going. You got this.”
Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber King (pictured below), expressed immense admiration for her late husband, stating, “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.”
Dexter Scott King with his wife, Leah Weber King
A towering figure with a strong resemblance to his iconic father, Dexter had captured the nation’s attention in the past. In 1997, he met James Earl Ray, the man who had pleaded guilty to assassinating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dexter believed in Ray’s innocence and hoped that a trial would expose a broader conspiracy. Unfortunately, Ray passed away before the trial could take place.
Beyond his role in upholding his father’s legacy, Dexter had a deep love for the creative arts. He even portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” Balancing his artistic pursuits and his commitment to the King family legacy, Dexter lived his life with immense dedication.
The loss of Dexter Scott King leaves a void in the hearts of many around the world. His fight against cancer and his unwavering dedication to his father’s legacy will forever be remembered. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his incredible spirit and the impact he made to carry forward the torch of justice and equality that his father ignited. Rest on, king.
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