Dexter Scott King Cause of Death, What Happened to Dexter Scott King? How Did Dexter Scott King Die?
by Sangamithra
Updated Jan 23, 2024
Dexter Scott King Cause of Death
Dexter Scott King, the third child of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away at 62 due to a courageous battle with prostate cancer, as announced by the King Center. Named after an Alabama church where his father once served, Dexter was deeply connected to his family's legacy. He witnessed the tragic assassination of his father at the age of 7 and later attended Morehouse College.
Dexter served as chairman of the King Center and president of the King Estate, dedicating his life to preserving his father's legacy and managing his intellectual property. His death follows that of his mother in 2006 and his sister Yolanda King in 2007, leaving a profound impact on the King family. The cause of Dexter Scott King's passing was prostate cancer, marking the end of his valiant battle with the illness.
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Who is Dexter Scott King?
Dexter Scott King, born in Atlanta, Georgia, was an American civil and animal rights activist, attorney, and author. As the second son of renowned civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, he played a vital role in continuing their legacy. Dexter served as the Chairman of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
He authored "Growing Up King: An Intimate Memoir," sharing insights into his life. Dexter passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 62, in Malibu, California. His contributions to civil rights and his family's profound legacy have left a lasting impact.
Full Name
Dexter Scott King
Birth Date
January 30, 1961
Birth Place
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Death Date
January 22, 2024
Death Place
Malibu, California, U.S.
Education
Attended Morehouse College
Occupation
Civil Rights Activist, Attorney, Author
Spouse
Leah Weber (married in 2013)
Parents
Martin Luther King Jr. (father)
Coretta Scott King (mother)
Dexter Scott King's Early Life
Dexter Scott King, born at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia, was the son of civil rights icons Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father once served, he was cared for by his elder sister Yolanda. At just seven, he witnessed the tragic assassination of his father.
Harry Belafonte's support ensured King and his siblings received an education. Inspired by attending the 1972 Democratic National Convention, he developed an interest in politics. Although he began studying business administration at Morehouse College in 1979, he left before completing his degree in 1984.
Dexter Scott King's Career
Dexter Scott King had a diverse career marked by his dedication to civil rights, nonviolence, and animal rights. Splitting his time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Malibu, California, he served as the chairman of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change. In 1989, his mother appointed him president of the King Center, but a dispute led to his resignation after just four months.
He resumed the position in 1994, reducing staff and refocusing on preserving his father's legacy. Dexter was not only a committed vegan and animal rights activist but also voiced his father's character in the 1999 film "Our Friend, Martin" and portrayed him in the 2002 TV movie "The Rosa Parks Story." In 2013, he attended the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, commemorating his father's famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
Dexter was involved in the Loyd Jowers trial, expressing skepticism about James Earl Ray's role in his father's assassination and suggesting a broader conspiracy involving the Memphis Police Department and even President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Dexter Scott King Age
Dexter Scott King was born on January 30, 1961, and he passed away on January 22, 2024. At the time of his death, he was 62 years old. Throughout his life, Dexter played a significant role in civil rights activism, serving as chairman of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and later as its president.
His dedication to preserving his father's legacy, commitment to nonviolence, and advocacy for animal rights defined his multifaceted career. Despite the challenges he faced, Dexter Scott King left a lasting impact on social change, contributing to the ongoing legacy of the King family in American history.
What Happened to Dexter Scott King?
Dexter Scott King, son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away at 62 after bravely battling prostate cancer. The King Center announced his death, highlighting his lifelong dedication to preserving his father's legacy. His demise follows that of his mother in 2006 and sister Yolanda King in 2007. Dexter's valiant fight against prostate cancer ultimately led to his passing.
How Did Dexter Scott King Die?
Dexter Scott King died at 62 after a valiant battle with prostate cancer, as confirmed by the King Center. The son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Dexter's passing was attributed to complications from this medical condition. His dedication to civil rights and preserving his father's legacy endured, leaving a lasting impact despite his battle with the illness.
Dexter Scott King Cause of Death - FAQs
Dexter Scott King passed away at 62 due to complications from a courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Dexter dedicated his life to civil rights, serving as chairman of the King Center and preserving his father's legacy.
Born in 1961, Dexter witnessed his father's assassination at 7 and later attended Morehouse College.
Dexter served as president but resigned in 1989, later returning in 1994, reducing staff, and refocusing on his father's legacy.
Dexter voiced his father in "Our Friend, Martin" (1999) and portrayed him in "The Rosa Parks Story" (2002).