3 months ago
106 The revered Civil Rights leader was assassinated on April 4. 1968 at just 39 years old
Published on January 15, 2026 07:00AM EST
Bettmann Archive/Getty
To many of us, Martin Luther King Jr. was a mega-force for the Civil Rights movement — a prolific speaker whose talent for oration and passion for equal rights for all resonates to this day
At home, however, the late prolific leader was simply known as dad. A doting father, Dr. King shared four children with his wife Coretta Scott: daughters Yolanda Denise and Bernice Albertine, 62, as well as sons Martin Luther III, 68 and Dexter Scott. Yolanda and Dexter both passed away, the former on May 15, 2007 — just a year after their mother's death in January 2006. On Jan. 22, 2024, Dexter's wife, Leah Weber, announced he had died from prostate cancer.
As we observe what would have been his 97th birthday, look back at some of Martin Luther King Jr.'s pictures with his family.
Happy Days
The Kings with their daughter Yolanda. Michael Ochs Archives/GettyDr. King and his wife Coretta Scott King are snapped having a quiet moment with their firstborn Yolanda as they relax in their home in 1956.
On the Move
Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and family.Tom Gallagher/NY Daily News via Getty
The young family poses in front of their plane as they prepare to fly to Alabama from Idlewild Airport in Queens, New York.
Family Days
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., his wife, Coretta and their two children.Tom Gallagher/NY Daily News Archive via Getty
Moments before, King was pictured adoringly looking at his daughter Yolanda as Martin III sat comfortably in Coretta's arms.
Coming Together
Martin Luther King Jr. with his family.TPLP/Getty
Dr. King and his wife Coretta were pictured with three of their kids — Yolanda, Martin III and Dexter — at their home in Atlanta.
Learning Lessons
Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta with their children.Donald Uhrbrock/Getty
The Kings play piano with their kids Yolanda and Martin III in this shot from 1960.
Sign of the Times
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holds Martin Luther King III.Bettmann Archive/Getty
The Civil Rights leader is pictured holding two-year-old Martin III while looking at a burnt cross in front of his home in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lighter Moments
Dr. King and his family.Bettmann Archive/Getty
Dr. King is greeted lovingly by his family upon his release from Georgia State prison after incarceration for leading boycotts in this pic from 1960
Happy Reunion
The King Family.Donald Uhrbrock/Getty
The family keeps close as they celebrate their reunion.
Looking Up to Dad
Yolanda King with her dad Martin Luther King Jr.AP Photo/Jack Thornell
Young Yolanda King watches on from the pew as her father makes a point during a speech at a political rally in Montgomery, Alabama in 1966.
Polished Up
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King sit with three of their children.AP Photo
Dr. King ensures his namesake's tie is nice and straight as the family prepares for a photoshoot.
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