Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Martin Luther King Jr, has sadly passed away aged 62.
Dexter King, an activist and influential figure, served as the chairman of the King Center and held the position of president of the King Estate.
Born in Atlanta in 1961 to Dr. King and Coretta Scott King, he was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father first served as a pastor. Tragically, Dexter was just seven years old when Dr. King was assassinated.
Dexter has sadly passed away aged 62 after a battle with prostate cancer, as reported by BBC News.
"He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu," revealed his wife of 11 years, Leah Weber King. "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."
Martin Luther King III, Dexter's brother, conveyed his deep sadness at the loss of his sibling.
"The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. Please keep the entire King family in your prayers, and in particular Dexter's wife, Leah Weber," he stated.
Dexter's sister, Bernice King, expressed her profound grief, stating, "Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling. I'm praying for strength to get through this very difficult time," per the Daily Mail.
Dexter, a graduate of Fredrick Douglas High School in Atlanta, followed in his father's footsteps by attending Morehouse College. His love for the arts led him to California to pursue acting, culminating in his portrayal of his father in the 2002 television movie, The Rosa Parks Story.
As an adult, Dexter King shifted his focus to shepherding his father's legacy and safeguarding the intellectual property of the King family. At the time of his death, he served as the chairman of the King Center.
Civil rights leader Rev Al Sharpton extended his condolences to the King family, stating: "May he rest in peace, may his legacy live."
Vernon Jones, a former Georgia State House Republican, conveyed his sympathies, saying, "My deepest sympathy to the King Family. I’m saddened by the passing today of Dexter King, Dr. MLK’s youngest son. He was a friend!"
Our thoughts are with Dexter King's loved ones at this difficult time.
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