Immediate family overview
Martin Luther King Jr was married to Coretta Scott King for 15 years, and they had four children: Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter, and Bernice. His parents were Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. His siblings included Christine King Farris and Alfred Daniel Williams King. These relationships formed the core of his family life while he led the civil rights movement.
Coretta Scott King (wife)
Coretta Scott King was a singer, activist, and author who partnered with Martin Luther King Jr throughout the Montgomery bus boycott and beyond. She was born in Marion, Alabama, and met Martin while studying in Boston. After his assassination in 1968, she became a prominent advocate for civil rights, workers’ rights, and peace until her death in 2006.
Children of Martin Luther King Jr
- Yolanda King (1955–2007) was the eldest child and worked as a motivational speaker and actress.
- Martin Luther King III (born 1957) is a civil rights activist who has continued his father’s work through advocacy and leadership of The King Center.
- Dexter King (1961–2024) was involved in nonprofit leadership and public service.
- Bernice King (born 1963) is a pastor and CEO of The King Center, focusing on nonviolent social change.
Martin Luther King Sr. (father)
Martin Luther King Sr., originally named Michael King, was a Baptist minister and early civil rights leader in Atlanta. He served as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and played a significant role in shaping his son’s moral and theological outlook. He was an influential voice in the African American church and civil rights advocacy for decades.
Alberta Williams King (mother)
Alberta Williams King was a skilled organist and music teacher at Ebenezer Baptist Church. She emphasized education and faith within the family. Her life was cut short when she was assassinated in 1974, a loss that deeply affected the family.
Siblings and extended family
Christine King Farris was the only sibling to survive into adulthood. She was an educator and public speaker who wrote about their upbringing. Alfred Daniel Williams King, known as A.D., was a pastor and civil rights activist who also served as co-pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Both siblings maintained a commitment to preserving their father’s and brother’s legacy.
Family leadership and legacy
The King family has remained active in advocacy, scholarship, and stewardship of Martin Luther King Jr’s work. The King Center in Atlanta, founded by Coretta Scott King, continues educational and outreach programs. Siblings and children have each contributed through speaking, organizing, and institutional leadership.
Family facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Coretta Scott King (married 1953) | Biographical records |
| Children | Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter, Bernice | Family biographies |
| Parents | Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King | Family records |
| Siblings | Christine King Farris and Alfred Daniel Williams King | Obituaries and archives |
Continuing the legacy
The King family’s work extends beyond remembrance into policy, education, and community organizing. Descendants and relatives often participate in commemorations, campaigns, and scholarly projects. Understanding these relationships helps clarify how Martin Luther King Jr’s values were upheld and advanced by those closest to him.
Notes on source clarity
When discussing family, publicly available records, verified biographies, and reputable institutional histories provide the most reliable information. This overview is based on consistent reporting and documentation rather than speculative detail. Where information remains uncertain or evolving, the emphasis is on transparent sourcing and careful framing.