Who was Dexter Scott King Married to? Who was Dexter Scott King?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jan 23, 2024
Who was Dexter Scott King?
Dexter Scott King was a prominent American figure known for his activism in civil and animal rights, his legal profession, and his contributions as an author. As the second son of iconic civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Dexter carried forward the legacy of his illustrious family.
He shared his lineage with siblings Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, and Yolanda King, and was also the grandson of Martin Luther King Sr.
Dexter Scott King's multifaceted career included being an attorney, an advocate for both civil rights and animal welfare, and an accomplished author. His book, "Growing Up King: An Intimate Memoir," provided a personal perspective on his experiences within the King family.
Dexter's passing at the age of 62 marked the conclusion of a life dedicated to justice, equality, and the ongoing struggle for the ideals championed by his parents.
Name
Dexter Scott King
Gender
Male
Profession
Civil and Animal Rights Activist, Attorney, Author
Date of Birth
January 30, 1961
Place of Birth
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital,
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Date of Death
January 22, 2024
Place of Death
Malibu, California, USA
Age at Death
62
Parents
Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King
Siblings
Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, Yolanda King
Marital Status
Married
Wife Name
Leah Weber King
Children
None
Who was Dexter Scott King Married to?
Dexter Scott King, son of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, married his best friend and longtime partner Leah Weber King on July 12, 2013, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Leah, a former broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and consultant, hails from New Orleans. The couple, unfortunately, did not have any children together. Dexter's cousin, Isaac Newton Farris Jr., shared that the two initially met in New Orleans during a book signing event for Dexter's memoir.
The King Center noted that together, Dexter and Leah crafted a life marked by love, support, and unconditional care, echoing the values instilled by Dexter's own parents. Dexter Scott King's union with Leah reflects a profound connection that originated in New Orleans, where their paths crossed at a book signing. Leah's background as a broadcast journalist and entrepreneur adds a dynamic dimension to their partnership.
Despite not having children of their own, the couple has built a life reminiscent of the enduring love and support that characterized Dexter's parents' relationship, according to The King Center's statement. Their marriage stands as a testament to the legacy of love and commitment within the King family.
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Dexter Scott King Family
Dexter Scott King was born on January 30, 1961, at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, to renowned civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. He was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father had served as pastor before moving to the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Dexter's upbringing was overseen by his eldest sister, Yolanda.
Tragedy struck the King family when Dexter's father was assassinated when he was just seven years old. Later in life, Dexter faced the loss of his mother, Coretta Scott King, who passed away on January 30, 2006, coinciding with Dexter's 45th birthday. The family endured another heartbreaking loss when Dexter's elder sister, Yolanda, collapsed in 2007 and passed away at the age of 51. Dexter, deeply affected by her death, acknowledged the profound role Yolanda played in his life, stating that she gave him the permission to be himself.
In the face of personal grief, Dexter found himself defending his family's integrity. He confronted The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, accusing them of "viciously attacking" his family over a claim made by a German television program regarding his sister Bernice. Despite such challenges, Dexter King continued to navigate the complexities of his family life with resilience and a commitment to preserving their legacy.
Dexter Scott King Early Life
Dexter Scott King's early life was marked by the profound impact of the tragic assassination of his father, Martin Luther King Jr., when Dexter was just seven years old. The fateful moment unfolded as he and his brother, Martin III, were watching television and saw a news flash about the shooting. This event undoubtedly shaped the trajectory of Dexter's childhood and influenced his journey in the years to come.
In the wake of his father's assassination, Dexter and his siblings were provided with educational opportunities through the support of Harry Belafonte, who had established a trust fund for them prior to Martin Luther King Jr.'s death. This assistance ensured that the King children could pursue their education despite the challenges they faced. Dexter's exposure to the world of politics began early, as he attended the Democratic National Convention in 1972, sparking an interest in political affairs.
Dexter Scott King continued his educational journey at Morehouse College, where he studied business administration from 1979 to 1984. While he left Morehouse before completing his degree, his time at the college played a role in shaping his perspectives and aspirations. These formative experiences during his early years set the stage for Dexter's later contributions as an activist, attorney, and author.
Dexter Scott King Career
Dexter Scott King's career was characterized by his commitment to the principles of nonviolent social change, inherited from his parents' legacy. Serving as the chairman of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, he split his time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Malibu, California.
In 1989, at the age of twenty-eight, King's mother appointed him as the president of the King Center, a role he assumed with aspirations to transform it into a hub for nonviolent training, envisioning it as a "West Point of nonviolent training." However, a dispute led to his resignation just four months into his tenure. He resumed the position in 1994, implementing significant changes that included reducing staff numbers and shifting the focus to preserving his father's legacy.
King later acknowledged the challenges, stating he might have moved faster than the board was ready for. Apart from his work in civil rights, Dexter Scott King was also a devoted vegan and animal rights activist, inspired by Dick Gregory in the late 1980s.
He played a significant role in commemorating historical events, attending the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington in 2013, an event where his father delivered the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Dexter's involvement extended to the realm of film, where he voiced his father's 34-year-old self in the 1999 educational film "Our Friend, Martin," which received an Emmy Award nomination.
Additionally, he portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. in the 2002 American television movie "The Rosa Parks Story." Through these varied endeavors, Dexter Scott King made notable contributions to both social activism and the representation of his father's legacy in the media.
Dexter Scott King Death
Dexter Scott King, the dedicated civil rights activist and son of Martin Luther King Jr., passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 62. He died at his home in Malibu, California, where he had split his time as he served as the chairman of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change.Dexter's death marked the end of a life committed to continuing his family's legacy of nonviolent social change and advocacy.
The impact of his work, both in civil rights and animal rights activism, resonated throughout his career. His passing left a void in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, and his contributions as a leader and advocate were remembered by those who admired and respected his commitment to the principles championed by his parents.
Dexter Scott King's death served as a poignant moment, reflecting the challenges he faced and the dedication he displayed throughout his life in the pursuit of a better and more equitable world.
Who was Dexter Scott King Married to - FAQs
Dexter Scott King was married to Leah Weber King. They tied the knot on July 12, 2013, and shared a life of love and support.
Dexter Scott King is known for being an American civil and animal rights activist, attorney, and author. He was the second son of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Dexter Scott King was born on January 30, 1961, at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Dexter Scott King contributed to the civil rights movement through his activism, serving as the chairman of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and carrying forward the legacy of his parents, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
No, Dexter Scott King and his wife Leah Weber King did not have any children together. They built a life of love and support, focusing on preserving the legacy of Dexter's parents.