It is a sad day as one of the most influential families in the country lost its leader. It didn’t take long for Magic Johnson to post a message of condolence to the family of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As they mourned the loss of a fallen hero, the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s message shared a message of strength and pride. Johnson’s post served as a memoir and an attempt to encapsulate what made Dexter King so special.

“Rest in Peace to Dexter King, son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, following his battle with cancer. Dexter King devoted his life to carrying on his father’s legacy, serving as the chairman of the King Center and president of the King Estate!” 

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Along with the story covering his contributions, Magic Johnson would end his message with well-wishes for the family in a tough time. “Cookie and I are sending our prayers to the entire King family during this already difficult time.” 

Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber King, shared that the renowned activist “transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu.” The King Center also issued a statement on his his “valiant battle with prostate cancer.”

Dexter King served as the Chairman of the King Center, a community institution established in 1968 by his mother, Coretta Scott King. The youngest of 4, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, who is the CEO of the Center, shared her grief at the loss of her brother. “We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family,” said Martin Luther King III, Dexter’s older brother.

To see Magic Johnson keep them in his prayers during this difficult time exemplifies the bond between the league and the King family. Whether it was legends like Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar supporting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his march or the NBA honoring MLK day every year, the league and its legends have not lost sight of the stalwarts of social change.

The world mourns Dexter King

As a high schooler, MLK’s youngest son played football at Frederick Douglas High School. Atlanta councilman Michael Julian Bond grew up two houses down from him. He recalled “playing football in the street on the asphalt” with Dexter King. After he joined Morehouse College though, Dexter was steadfast in furthering his father’s legacy.

Whether it was with his work on Our Friend, Martin where he would portray his father, or as President of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Dexter Scott King would make some long-lasting impact on American society.

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Just a few weeks ago, the King Center celebrated the 2024 Beloved Community Awards. One which saw Michael Jordan‘s mother receive the Coretta Scott King Soul of the Nation Award. An active member of the community, helping it grow, Deloris Jordan was fully entrenched in keeping the dream alive.

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With her grandson, Marcus, in attendance, she would speak on her mission. “I think we are moving forward Dr. King’s vision and mission…Some days are dark, but we have to keep getting up and moving forward, trying to keep the vision alive.”

During those moments of darkness, it is people like Deloris and Dexter who shine as a light for the community. He passed away due to prostrate cancer in his home on January 22nd, 2022, 8 days shy of his 62nd birthday. May he rest in peace.