Martin Luther King Jr. was born into a family of Baptist ministers, including his maternal grandfather, Adam Daniel Williams, who served as the minister of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. The King family had a legacy of serving as pastors of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and King’s descendants have engaged with or critiqued contemporary social movements that diverge from his nonviolent philosophy.
King married Coretta Scott in 1953, and they had four children: Yolanda, Martin Luther King III, Dexter Scott King, and Bernice King. The tightly knit extended family in which King, Jr., was raised had a profound influence on his worldview. King’s parents were generally supportive of his leadership in the civil rights movement, but were also concerned about his safety. The King family faced many hard times that tested them, especially during the Civil War.
King acknowledged the sacrifices and strain on his family due to his involvement in the civil rights movement. His wife, Coretta Scott, was one of the Black women who believed in him as brilliant. His children remember him as a loving father who had to leave home often but still valued family time.
King’s father, Martin Luther King Jr., was an ordained National Baptist Convention minister, and his mother was essentially a housewife. The King family’s legacy is deeply rooted in their commitment to equality and justice for all people.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| What was Martin Luther King’s family life like? | In 1953 King married Coretta Scott, and the two had four children: Yolanda, Martin Luther III, Dexter Scott, and Bernice. | britannica.com |
| Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. As A Father | “The night of the bombing, I began to understand how much it meant to Martin to have a wife who was strong. And that’s really when I made my … | fatherhoodatforty.net |
| What Was It Like to Have Martin Luther King, Jr., as a Father? | Dr. King’s children remember him as a loving father. He had to leave home often. He still valued family time. | k-5impactnewsg2-3.mheducation.com |
📹 Martin Luther King Jr Family Tree
Other Credits: Chart by Nathaniel Voth Narration/Script by Matt Baker Animation by Syawish Rehman Audio Editing by Ali …
What Are The Best Martin Luther King Jr Quotes On Family?
Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of family, justice, and equality through his powerful quotes. He believed that a secure world depends on nonconformists who are dedicated to peace and brotherhood, stating, "The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood" (Strength to Love, 1981). King's vision extended to his dreams for his children, expressing a desire for a nation where they would be judged by their character rather than their skin color: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
King frequently used familial metaphors to communicate broader themes of brotherhood and humanity, declaring, "We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools." He believed in the priceless value of genuine brotherhood and peace, reflecting, "The beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold."
His quotes on education, love, and service highlight his commitment to these ideals: "Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." King also inspired acceptance and hope, affirming, "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." His messages, steeped in love and nonviolence, continue to resonate and inspire current and future generations as guiding principles for creating a more equitable society.
What Did Dr Martin Luther King Say About Family?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deeply intertwined his understanding of family with his mission for equality and love. Married to Coretta Scott King on June 18, 1953, they had four children: Yolanda Denise, Martin Luther III, Dexter Scott, and Bernice Albertine. King's reflections on family emphasize coexistence and compassion, as he often used familial metaphors to highlight his vision for a united future.
Growing up in a close-knit family shaped his worldview, as he believed in the "solidarity of the human family" and expressed that "we are tied together in a single garment of destiny." King advocated for the idea that the family unit, consisting of mother, father, and child, serves as the foundational educational agency of humanity.
He recognized the profound connection between reproductive autonomy and women's freedom and dignity. Furthermore, King’s vision for America included a society where children are not judged by their skin color, but by their character. He aspired for his children and future generations to live in a world free from the triple evils of poverty, racism, and militarism. Ultimately, Dr. King viewed family as a broader concept, encompassing all people, and believed in fostering love and solidarity across social divides. His legacy continues to inspire movements for civil and human rights today.
Did Martin Luther King Have A Son?
Michael King, born on December 19, 1897, later changed his name to Martin Luther King Sr. He was the father of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, who had four children: Yolanda (born November 17, 1955), Martin Luther King III, Dexter Scott King, and Bernice King. Yolanda was only 12 when her father was assassinated in 1968. Dexter Scott King, the youngest son, passed away on January 22, 2024, at age 62 after a battle with prostate cancer.
He died in California, as confirmed by his family and the King Center in Atlanta, where he served as chairman. Dexter was born after his brother Martin III (born October 23, 1957) and sister Bernice, and he was only seven when his father was killed. Dexter dedicated much of his life to upholding his parent's civil rights legacy, sharing similarities with his iconic father. He is survived by his wife, Leah Weber, and siblings Martin III and Bernice, as well as his niece Yolanda Renee King, daughter of Martin III. The King family's journey has been shaped by the shadow of their influential father, with each sibling navigating their paths in civil rights and activism.
How Did Martin Luther King'S Parents Treat Him?
Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in a supportive but concerned household, with his parents actively involved in the civil rights movement. He spent the first 12 years of his life at 501 Auburn Avenue, where his parents lived with his maternal grandparents, A. D. and Jennie Celeste Williams. King Sr. became pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King Jr. would later serve as well. His mother, Alberta Williams King, was a strong influence in his life, instilling values of love and resilience.
This close-knit family environment shaped King's worldview and teachings, particularly the importance of equality and non-violence. A pivotal moment in his childhood involved a shoe shopping incident that demonstrated his father's stance against segregation. By age 13, King was already working and grappling with complex questions of love and hate regarding race. His parents' educational backgrounds contributed to their commitment to civil rights advocacy, which profoundly impacted King's beliefs and mission.
The deaths of both parents had a significant emotional and motivational effect, driving King to strive for justice. He imparted lessons of character and courage to his own children, ensuring the continuation of his legacy. Today, his family actively protects his intellectual work and influence.
What Kind Of Family Did Martin Luther Have?
Martin Luther, a pivotal figure in Christian history and the Reformation, married former nun Katharina von Bora in 1525, and together they had six children, four of whom survived into adulthood. This marriage exemplified Luther's radical interpretation of Christianity, where an ordained priest could marry and have a family. Born on November 10, 1483, to peasant parents Hans and Margarethe Luther in Eisleben, Martin's family worked diligently to elevate their status.
His father sought to ensure that Martin became a lawyer, sending him to Latin school for a better education. Luther’s family life with Katharina was reportedly warm and loving, producing six children: Hans, Elizabeth, Magdalene, Martin, Paul, and Margaret. Their daughter Magdalene's death deeply affected Luther, showcasing his strong familial bonds.
Scholars highlight Luther's belief in the importance and honor of marriage and family life, advocating for these values in his writings. Martin Luther King, Jr., known for his civil rights leadership and Nobel Peace Prize, was named after him and retained a Baptist identity despite his fame. Family reunions for descendants of Luther's son Paul occur every three years, celebrating the enduring legacy of this influential family. Through Luther, the significance of marriage and family was elevated in early Protestant thought, establishing new norms within Christian practices.
Did MLK Have A Wife?
Coretta Scott King (April 27, 1927 – January 30, 2006) was an influential American author, activist, and civil rights leader, best known as the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from their marriage in 1953 until his assassination in 1968. Born in Marion, Alabama, she met Martin while both were studying in Boston. Their marriage took place on June 18, 1953, and together they had four children: Yolanda, Martin, Dexter, and Bernice. Coretta was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, advocating for African-American equality alongside her husband and continuing his work after his death.
While Martin Luther King Jr. faced allegations of extramarital affairs, Coretta, aware of these rumors, remained a steadfast figure in the movement and raised their children. Despite the challenges in their marriage, including King’s infidelities, she fostered a powerful legacy as a leader in civil rights, emphasizing love and nonviolence. Coretta Scott King was not just the wife of a prominent leader but a remarkable activist in her own right, dedicating herself to preserving her husband's legacy and fighting against injustice throughout her life. Her contributions to the civil rights movement have left an enduring impact on American society.
What Happened To Martin Luther'S Children?
Margarethe died in 1570 at the age of 36. Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, and his wife, Katharina von Bora, had six children, of which four survived into adulthood. Tragically, two of their children died young; Elizabeth passed away at six months, and Magdalene lived to be 13 years old after suffering a prolonged illness. Luther was profoundly affected by Magdalena's death, reportedly expressing hope that she would "rise and shine like the stars and sun" as she passed away in his arms. The couple’s other surviving children include Hans, Martin, and Paul.
Luther's family background reflected humble beginnings; his father was a miner who eventually became a small-scale businessman. Despite these origins, he went on to marry Katharina in 1525, showing a radical aspect of his reformed Christianity that emphasized the sanctity of marriage.
Meanwhile, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had four children—Bernice, Yolanda, Dexter, and Martin Luther King III—who have all continued their father's legacy as civil rights activists. King Jr., who was assassinated when Bernice was just five, worked tirelessly for racial equality, a mission that his children continue to uphold today. Their shared commitment to justice and nonviolent resistance reflects the enduring impact of both Martin Luther and Dr. King on their descendants and society.
How Many Children Did Martin Luther King Have?
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born to Reverend Martin Luther King and Alberta Williams King, being their first son and having one sister and one brother. He married Coretta Scott on June 18, 1953, and they had four children: Yolanda Denise (born November 17, 1955), Martin Luther King III (born October 23, 1957), Dexter Scott, and Bernice Albertine King (born 1963). Yolanda was only 12 when her father was assassinated in Memphis, and she later shared her memory of learning about his death while washing dishes.
The King family has faced the challenges of growing up in the shadow of Dr. King while forging their own paths. Three of his children are alive as of December 2019, continuing their father's legacy as civil rights advocates. Yolanda King died in 2007, but Martin III and Dexter remain active in civil rights activism. The youngest, Bernice King, has also pursued her father's vision. The family has expanded, with Martin III and his wife Arndrea Waters King having a daughter, Yolanda Renee King, born in 2008. Overall, the King family continues to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while impacting society through their advocacy for racial harmony and equality.
Was Martin Luther'S Family Wealthy?
Martin Luther, born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Saxony, Germany, to Hans and Margarethe Luder, later changed his family name to "Luther," potentially linking it to Eleutherius, meaning "the free one." Hans Luther, his father, began as a miner and, through hard work, became a leaseholder of several copper mines, elevating his family's status. Despite tales of poverty, the Luthers were respected and managed to provide for their family's needs, with ambitions for their eldest son, Martin, who was encouraged to pursue a legal career. In 1497, Martin attended a Latin school in Magdeburg, reflecting the family's aspirations.
Luther's mother hailed from a wealthier background, providing him with a good education that fostered his intellect. He had several siblings and was closest to his brother Jacob. In 1525, Luther married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, with whom he had six children, four surviving into adulthood. Their home was characterized by hospitality, as they also took in others. Upon Luther's excommunication by the church, he left limited wealth for his family, marking a departure from traditional clerical celibacy. Throughout his life, Martin Luther embodied a radical reformation spirit, emphasizing Christian freedom and familial bonds.
What Was Martin Luther King'S Family Like?
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, into a comfortable middle-class family rooted in Southern Black ministry traditions. His father, Michael King Sr., and maternal grandfather were both Baptist preachers, with King Sr. eventually becoming pastor of the prestigious Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King Jr. would later minister. King Jr. was the middle child between his older sister Christine and younger brother A. D. He sang with his church choir at the 1939 premiere of Gone with the Wind and had a deep appreciation for music.
Raised in a religious environment, King Jr. frequently recited Bible verses during family meals. His great-grandfather, Willis Williams, had been enslaved on a plantation in Georgia, adding historical depth to King's legacy. In 1953, King Jr. married Coretta Scott, and they had four children: Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter, and Bernice. The couple instilled values of equality and non-violence in their children, emphasizing the importance of responding to injustice.
King's upbringing, marked by a supportive extended family and a focus on social justice, influenced his eventual role as a prominent civil rights leader. He was dedicated to imparting these values to his children, encouraging them to engage with the world around them and uphold the principles of equality and peace.
How Old Was Martin Luther King Jr?
Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King Jr. on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He became a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, advocating for the rights of African Americans through nonviolent resistance. The son of Baptist preachers, King embraced the teachings of nonviolence during his college years. He tragically lost his life at the age of 39, assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Lorraine Motel, shortly after being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
King’s legacy includes being the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to him in 1964 for his leadership in the civil rights struggle. His family includes four children: Yolanda, Martin, Dexter, and Bernice. Following their father's assassination, they have dedicated their efforts toward preserving his legacy.
Coretta Scott King, his widow, passed away at 78, and his achievements continue to be celebrated, including the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking what would have been his 95th birthday. King’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, as he is remembered for his profound impact on civil rights and social justice.
What Did Martin Luther King Like As A Child?
Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, in a religious and loving household with his parents, Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. He was born on January 15, 1929, as the middle child among three siblings. His early life included piano lessons from his mother, sports like football and baseball, and various odd jobs; he even worked as a paper boy and aspired to be a fireman. King's childhood was marked by formative encounters with racial discrimination, particularly when he faced segregation as a child.
Although his experiences were mild, they left a lasting impression. He developed a strong academic foundation, skipping the ninth and twelfth grades to graduate high school at just 15. King displayed a playful side, often teasing and playing with friends, thus earning the nickname "Mike" or "M. L." His family environment was characterized by discipline from his father and gentleness from his mother, shaping his character.
Despite his early aspirations and accomplishments, King’s eventual involvement in the civil rights movement would highlight his deep aversion to violence and commitment to equality, making his childhood experiences crucial to his later activism. January 16th is now celebrated in honor of his legacy, reflecting on his childhood and its impact on his future endeavors.
📹 The Secret Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
What do you do when a great hero is alleged to have done something awful? Let’s dive into the untold stories of #MLK and how it …
CORRECTIONS: – Jacob Branham (father of Nathan King?) was likely also an enslaved person. Meaning that it was likely Jacob’s father (perhaps Isham Branham) who was an Irish slave owner, not Jacob. – I also forgot to mention another important event in this family’s history: Six years after Dr. King’s assassination, a gunman entered Ebenezer Baptist Church and killed Dr. King’s mother, Alberta King ☹️ Full playlist for Untold Black History: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLivC9TMdGnL93RMFHi6DnoJP_tYYXqQbR Intro Music by: YouTube.com/@MostlyMiSinging
Wow, not gonna lie, I did not expect this to be as interesting as it was. There is so much rich history within his family. Not just what he did for the civil rights movement but the legacy that many of his family members carry both in and outside the realms of civil rights. Thanks again for all of the support and participation in the collaboration!
I am a white man who was a teenager when MLK was assassinated, and I still remember it like it was yesterday. My heart was broken because I did not see him as a hope for black people, but for all of us, and I still weep when I remember the breaking news. We were in a class, and our teacher said, “It was time someone did something to that MF” We were robbed an honorable man and am still very angry and ashamed that we murdered that man
Oh the family tree. Fun fact. The concept of family trees was introduced by the church in Europe around 10th century or so to track bloodlines of nobles. There should be some surviving depictions in the churches built at the time. The concept of the bloodline and hereditary diseases also came about around the same time. It was during the so called “dark ages”. Later on these concepts became commonplace and were incorporated by Lineus into his systematics that are the foundation of modern taxonomy we use today.
I became interested in genealogy since the PBS series Finding Your Roots aired. I have been fan ever since. Dr. Gates and his team if experts are brilliant investigators in the breakdown, stories and DNA results of their celebrity guest. This article was well done and informative. It certainly piqued my curiosity, I am on quest to watch and learn more UsefulCharts content. Thank you for sharing.
my great grandmother marched with MLK, she was a strong woman she went through a lot in her life, i wish i wouldve been able to ask her more about her life before she passed but she was on a ventilator due to copd and could barely talk. my dad and i miss her, she was an amazing cook and brought people together with her cooking. we miss you ms maggie mae 💜
A genealogy tree history of the Mozingo family in America might be interesting to make for the next BHM event, next year. It’s a now predominantly white North American (mostly American) family with a few black branches, in contemporary times. But in prior centuries, they were classified as Melungeon, free coloured or black families (with an increasing number of white passing branches following 1800s) who could all trace their ancestry back to 17th century Angolan descended Virginian colonist Edward Mozingo Sr (1644-171-), the son of Duerde Mozingo (1608 to 1610- around 1668) and a black female sl*ve (very likely native from either Central Africa too or the “Gold Coast”) . It is highly inferred that Duerde Mozingo might have been the son of Queen Nzinga “Ana de Sousa” Mbande Mozingo of the Ambundu Kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba (c. 1583 – 17 December 1663, ruled 1624-1163 on Ndongo, then on Matamba from 1631-1663) and one of her prior husbands, a relative of hers from the mixed Ambundu-Kongo offshoot of the royal Mozingo lineage of the Kingdom of Kongô too– and thus a descendant of Kongo, Ambundu, Shongue/Kuba, Bangui, and Shenzi/”Swahili” (via Queen Nzinga’s mother’ side) and Imbangala/Ngala/Anzicana royalties– as well as cousins to the still-living Kongo, Matamba, Ndongo, Ngola, Bangala and Teke, Zambian Ngoni, Xhosa and Zulu royalties of Central and Southern Africa.
Couldn’t help but notice a potential problem in your theory about Jacob Brannam being the former slave owner of the Brannam/King family. On the 1870 census Jacob is listed as Black himself, and therefore likely not an owner of slaves, and certainly not an Irishman. Furthermore, the census lists Jacob as a Farm Hand who owns no property. That doesn’t sound like a former slave owner to me. The Brannam family connection might indeed be correct but through another individual than Jacob I would think. There is the White Brannam/Branham family of Kenon/Kinion Brannam in the same location at the same time, and previously that of his father Joseph, either of whom would seem more likely former slave owner candidates to me.
Family of Martin Luther King Jr. 1:26 Great Grandfather Nathan King, Husband of Melinda, Father of James King • 1880 Georgia Census • 1900 Pennsylvania • 1910 Ireland • 1870 Census Nathan Bradham married to a Melinda with 3 children, Elizabeth James & Sarah 3:16 Jacob Bradham 🇮🇪 🇺🇸 living in Georgia • Probably Nathan King’s former slave owner 4:11 Why did Nathan Bradham change his surname to King? He wanted to be with his black relatives in surname. Dr King’s Family on his Mother’s Side of the family. 4:36 Great Grandfather Willis Williams, Grandfather Adam Williams Baptist preacher. 5:36 Grandma Jeanie Parks, daughter Alberta Williams/King Michael King —> Martin Luther King Martin Luther King Sr & Alberta King’s Children 6:59 Christine: Teacher, 95 years old today Martin Luther 7:43 AD – Fellow civil rights movement member Martin Luther King Jr’s Wife 9:57 Coretta Scott King • gave up her music career to be in the Civil Rights Movement 11:23 James Earl Ray, Lloyd Jowers. Martin Luther King Jr and Coretta Scott King’s 4 Children 12:12 Yolanda King: Actress, now deceased MLK III Dexter Scott King Dr Bernice King 13:18 Reverend Kings
Dear UsefulCharts, Hello and good evening, you might be weirded out because I am a random subscriber. I am a student of Theology and I want to ask you a question and here is said question: You as a Jew what is your perspective, opinion, or understanding of Jesus Christ and Christianity as a whole? I mean no harm and my intentions is not to offend you, but to simply have an answer from a Jew since Jews here in my country are a VERY small minority. Thank you for your time Mr. UsefulCharts Sincerely, Shemp
MLK is my 16th cousin thrice removed. The parts I know are as follows: MLK, MLK Sr., Delia King, Mary Jane Long, Nancy Hamilton Womack, Abraham Womack Sr., Mildred Kathleen Womack, Margaret Pryor, Eleanor Gaines, Leonard Brooke, Ann Marsham, Anne Brent, Elizabeth Brent, Giles Reed (Sheriff of Worcestershire), Sir Peter Reade (Kt.), Izod Read, Margaret Stanley, Dorothy FitzHerbert, Elizabeth FitzHerbert, John Marshall (Esq.) born circa 1411 (kind of unknown) Norbury, Croydon, Surrey, England and died 1460. Hope this helps someone.
The chart mentions James Albert King and Delia Linsey had 10 children, but only three of them have their lines traced out. Is there security/privacy reasons for not showing the other children and their descendants, or is it simply that there isn’t public knowledge about those lines of the King family?
First three minutes: US Census records are awful for consistency and accuracy. Look for other records, such as World War draft registration cards, or other military records. Then look for birth certificates or family bibles. (I realize some of these don’t exist for formerly enslaved folks, but the point remains: Census records are good for tracing some family groups, but that’s about it.)
List of Nguni kings of south-east Africa (South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique). 1. Ngoni (Koni) 2. Malangeni (Mlangeni) 3. Lubambolunye 4. Ngwane 5. Langa (Sothole) 6. Ndinisa (Nkomokhabako) 7. Mhlanga (Sidwabasiluthuli) 8. Musi 9. Mtungwa (Ndlovu) 10. Sikhosana (Lindamkhonto) 11. Mwelase (Nongalo) 12. Mlotshwa (Thumbeza) 13. Mpangazitha 14. Mdlani 15. Lubololwenja (Lufenu) 16. Ntombela 17. Zulu 18. Mamba (Nkosinkulu) 19. Ndaba 20. Gumede 21. Yeyeye 22. Mnguni 23. Luzumana 24. Malandela 25. Qwabe 26. Ndaba (Zembethe) 27. Gazu 28. Mdladla (Ntusi) – Last king whose house was Mthunzini in KwaZulu-Natal in 1690 circa.
He’s born the same year as my grandfather and he also had 4 kids. 2 boys and 2 girls. One main difference he had ton of grandchildren and several great grandchildren. I don’t even know how many great grandchildren he has. He got to be a great great grandfather before he died in 2011. Pretty interesting Martin Luther king only has 1 grandchild out of 4 children. Guess they just weren’t into having kids.
Black doesn’t mean anything. When you say some is a quarter black what does that mean? Where was he from? Black didn’t mean African back then. We need specifics not assumptions The part you always leave out is indentured servitude and how they indentured their own children. Furthermore the Jacobites were expelled from Europe around the 1700s. Many of these people were black Europeans and you all really need to catch up. These were likely not yt people. In some cases they were in others they weren’t. According to the transatlantic slave trade database 5 million European slaves were taken,3 million Brazilians, and only 45 thousand Africans. We deal with documents, not emotion. Most Black people in America are descendants of black Europeans If you want to learn about these black Europeans you can start with the Jacobites. They were expelled and often described as black or brown on the ship manifest. The majority of them were sent to the Caribbean and the south
That’s because he is of Irish descent. Nothing to do with Africa, Africa was a tiny part in the North of the continent. Had nothing to do with slavery. We know so called African slaves were in fact the Irish and Scott’s came to our shores were of dark complexions. Who were kicked out for the Jacobite rebellions. Can’t hide it no more!!!