Rev. Bernice King, the daughter of late civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., is livid after peepin’ Donald Trump’s latest claims, in which he oddly involved her dad’s powerful legacy. In fact, Bernice is so offended by Trump’s MLK-comparison, that she has called him out over it, by shutting down his imaginative claims with a ‘receipt.’

What Trump Said That Made MLK’s Daughter Respond

As y’all have heard by now, on August 8, 2024, Trump held a press conference at his Mar-A-Lago resort. He seemingly grew a tad agitated when a reporter asked him about the massive crowd that Democratic Presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris; and her VP nominee pick, Tim Walz, recently drew on the Presidential campaign trail. That’s when Trump oddly compared himself – by way of comparing his crowd size – to a deceased civil rights icon, MLK, claiming he drew a bigger crowd during his January 6, 2021 rally, than Dr. King did for his revolutionary “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.

“Oh give me a break,” Trump spewed. “I’ve spoken to the biggest crowds. Nobody’s spoken to crowds bigger than me. If you look at Martin Luther King when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours, same real estate, same everything, same number of people, if not we had more. And they said he had a million people, but I had 25,000 people.”

Trump claims his crowds are larger than Martin Luther King Jr.’s pic.twitter.com/fuGPWZW66P

— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 8, 2024

The Math Ain’t Mathin’

Trump’s crowd-size claim is not accurate, as was pointed out by The Associated Press’s fact checkers:

“Approximately 250,000 people attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, at which King gave his speech, according to the National Park Service. The Associated Press reported in 2021 that there were at least 10,000 people at Trump’s address.” – AP

Additionally, Trump’s claim of the location of his 2021 rally was also inaccurate. He did not hold his rally in the same location as MLK.  Dr. King delivered his speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, which is nearly one mile from where Trump’s rally was held at the Ellipse– the grassy area near the White House.

Bernice King’s Response To Trump’s MLK-Comparison

pic.twitter.com/e8H8t76A1C

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) August 8, 2024

In a response to Trump’s inaccurate claims, Bernice King re-shared a clip on X (formerly Twitter) of his MLK-comparison statements, along with photos of MLK, and the crowd that showed up for her father’s 1963 “I Have A Dream Speech” –which was visibly far more massive than Trump’s 2021 rally. She captioned her post with this:

“Absolutely not true. I really wish that people would stop using my father to support fallacy.”

Props to Bernice King for speaking up for her iconic father who’s no longer here to speak for himself…but also, who’s positive, unified legacy continues to stand the test of time.

Now, as far as Trump and his MLK-comparison…well, my mother always told me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say nothing at all.”  Soooo…on that note, I Love Old School Music fam,’ I’ll holla back at y’all later. 😎✌🏽

The post Daughter Of Martin Luther King Jr. Calls Out Trump After He Compares Himself To MLK appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

As the world continues to mourn the loss of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the legendary civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, his family and loved ones gathered to pay beautiful homage to him.

As we previously reported, on Monday, January 22, 2024 Dexter tragically succumbed to prostate cancer at the age of 62. In an emotional press conference held at the King Nonviolent Center for Social Change in Atlanta on Tuesday, Reverend Dr. Bernice King, Dexter’s sister, shared the heartbreaking details of his battle with the disease and his unwavering dedication to their father’s legacy.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bernice A. King (@berniceaking)

With tearful eyes, Reverend Bernice King struggled to find words to honor her beloved brother. She described how Dexter fought his cancer for three and a half years, displaying immense strength until the very end. “He kept the faith. His might was strong until the end,” she said, her voice filled with pride and sorrow.

Dexter’s passing marks yet another tragic loss for the King family, coming less than a year after the passing of their oldest sister, Christine King Farris, at the age of 95. Dexter’s mother, Coretta Scott King, a prominent civil rights activist in her own right, also passed away in 2006.

As Chairman of The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Dexter dedicated his life to protecting and advancing his parents’ profound influence on the world. Bernice King described her brother as an innovative leader, fiercely dedicated and at the forefront of their family’s mission.

The press conference revealed that Dexter was cremated on the same day as his passing, in accordance with his wishes. A memorial service to honor his life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Bernice King cherished the time she spent with her brother before his death, remembering his words of encouragement, “I’m proud of you. Keep this legacy going. You got this.”

 

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A post shared by Bernice A. King (@berniceaking)

Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber King (pictured below), expressed immense admiration for her late husband, stating, “He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might.”

A towering figure with a strong resemblance to his iconic father, Dexter had captured the nation’s attention in the past. In 1997, he met James Earl Ray, the man who had pleaded guilty to assassinating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dexter believed in Ray’s innocence and hoped that a trial would expose a broader conspiracy. Unfortunately, Ray passed away before the trial could take place.

Beyond his role in upholding his father’s legacy, Dexter had a deep love for the creative arts. He even portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” Balancing his artistic pursuits and his commitment to the King family legacy, Dexter lived his life with immense dedication.

The loss of Dexter Scott King leaves a void in the hearts of many around the world. His fight against cancer and his unwavering dedication to his father’s legacy will forever be remembered. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his incredible spirit and the impact he made to carry forward the torch of justice and equality that his father ignited. Rest on, king.

The post MLK’s Daughter Pays Heart-Wrenching Homage To Brother, Dexter Scott King, After Cremation appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

ILOSM family, we are incredibly saddened to share the news that Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, has passed away at the age of 62, after a long-standing illness. The King Center announced his passing, revealing that Dexter had been privately and courageously battling prostate cancer, prior to succumbing to it.

Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber King (pictured with Dexter in the above photo), was by his side during his final moments, and she shared that he peacefully transitioned in his sleep at their home in Malibu. This heartbreaking news comes as a heavy blow to the King family and loved ones, as Dexter is now the second child of MLK and Coretta to pass away since their father’s assassination in 1968. Yolanda King, Dexter’s sister, was the first of their children to depart this earth in 2007, succumbing to complications from ovarian cancer.

Dexter Scott King was a fierce advocate for civil rights, carrying on his father’s legacy into the 21st century. He dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice, just as his parents had done. Dexter’s commitment to the cause was evident when he confronted James Earl Ray, the man convicted of assassinating Dr. King, asking him straight up if he was responsible. Despite receiving a denial from Ray, Dexter held his belief and even raised conspiracy theories about the involvement of the federal government in his father’s murder.

In addition to his activism, Dexter also showcased his talent as an actor, portraying his father in the 2002 TV movie, ‘The Rosa Parks Story.’ His resemblance to Dr. King was remarkable, and it sparked countless conversations about the powerful impact of his father’s legacy. Dexter also helped contribute to his pop’s legacy by appearing in the King Holiday video in 1986, alongside many R&B and rap greats at that time…

With the passing of Dexter Scott King, we remember and honor the contributions and sacrifices made by the King family in the pursuit of equality and justice. Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, the remaining living children, continue to carry the torch of their parents’ remarkable work.

In this time of grief, we extend our deepest condolences to the King family and all those whose lives Dexter touched. His memory will forever live on, and his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire future generations to keep fighting for a better and more just world.

Rest in peace, Dexter Scott King. Your spirit will forever be a beacon of hope and inspiration. We are grateful for the significant impact you made during your time with us.

The post R.I.P. – Youngest Son Of MLK & Coretta, Dexter Scott King, Sadly Passes Away, Details appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was brutally assassinated on April 4, 1968, his younger brother, Rev. Alfred Daniel “A.D.” King, was with him on that tragic day. That day is forever marked in history, as death the incredibly brave civil rights icon, MLK. The day that has gone largely unnoticed, is the death of MLK’s baby brother, A.D. King- also a civil rights leader- the following year in 1969. As we continue to honor the legacy of Dr. King, we also wanted to shine light on the legacy and mysterious death of the brother who was hidden in MLK’s shadow.

Rare 8 second video of A.D. King speaking at his brother’s funeral. And he sounds just like MLK. pic.twitter.com/UG0yt5PPWF

— Boss (@_ValTown_) April 5, 2018

Mysterious Details Of A.D. King’s Death

Just 15 months after Dr. King Jr. was assassinated, A.D. King died under suspicious circumstances. A.D. was extremely close to his brother, Martin. Following MLK’s assassination, A.D.’s widow, Naomi King, revealed to Seattle Times, that “He never recovered, because he felt it was his duty to protect his brother.”

On July 20, 1969, A.D.’s daughter, Alveda King, overheard him on the phone at their home, venting about MLK’s murder:

“They killed my brother. I’m gonna find out who did it,” he told someone on the phone, as Alveda stood nearby.

The following day, on July 21, 1969 -just 9 days before his 39th birthday- Rev. A.D. King, an avid swimmer, was found dead at the bottom of their family’s pool.

Family’s Suspicions

Following his death, King family members had suspicions about how he’d ‘accidentally died…
A.D. King’s daughter, Alveda King:

“Daddy was killed and put in the pool,” said Alveda, who was at work when the body was discovered. “When they pulled the body out, they began to pump his chest, but no water came out. One of the emergency people said he was dead when he hit the water.” Naomi flew back to Atlanta and, after identifying his body in the morgue, came to the same conclusion. -via ST

A.D.’s wife, Naomi King:

“Absolutely, he was murdered,” Naomi King said. “He was an excellent swimmer. There was no water in his lungs. He was in the fetal position. He had a bruised forehead. Rings around his neck. And he was in his underwear. He was murdered.” For his part, Daddy King said publicly that the civil-rights movement killed both of his sons, furthering the family narrative. -via ST

His Overlooked Legacy

A.D. King was a well known pastor in throughout Birmingham, AL, where he fought for civil rights alongside his brother, MLK, and pastored his own church. He was also known among the confines of their family’s popular Ebenezer Church in Atlanta, Ga. In addition to that, he’s endured many of the struggles several other civil rights leaders did during the 1950’s and 60’s, including having his home bombed while he and his family were still in it, becoming a political prisoner, etc.. Yet, A.D. King’s legacy is still overlooked.

Dear friend of MLK and civil rights activist/former Atlanta mayor, Andrew Young, was by A.D. King’s side, consoling him as they both watched Dr. King die on that Lorraine Hotel balcony in ‘1968. Young later explained, to Seattle Times, why A.D.’s legacy was tucked away in the shadows of American history:

“A.D. King, if it hadn’t been for Martin and Daddy King [MLK Sr.,their father], would have been a prominent preacher in this city, because he was very good,” said Andrew Young. … “But he was Martin’s baby brother. The younger brother becomes the caricature. Somebody that they pick on.”

A.D.’s wife raised a great question:

“How can you be forgotten if you never been known?” asked Naomi.

Rev. Willie Bolden, good friend of A.D. revealed this:

“His [A.D.] strategy was to support his brother. … He never tried to usurp any of the limelight. Many people didn’t even know Martin Luther King had a brother.”

Rev. A.D. King was more than just the ‘unknown King brother,’ he was a father to his and Naomi’s five children- Alveda, Alfred, Derek, Esther and Vernon; a devoted husband; loyal brother; a pastor; and unsung hero of the civil rights fight.

Read How Dr. King’s and A.D. King’s Mother Was Brutally Murdered Shortly After Their Deaths HERE.

The post Brother Of MLK Died Suspiciously Months After Dr. King, But Here’s Why Many Never Knew appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

After the King’s were married by MLK Jr.’s father, Martin Luther King Sr., on the front lawn of Coretta’s parents’ home in Marion, AL, they were cheered on and given well wishes by their family, as they drove off into what appeared to be a picture perfect wedding day.

Lo and behold, the the newlyweds were rejected by a whites-only hotel, but they refused to allow a little rejection kill their newlywed joy. So, they did the next best thing of course — drove to a Black-owned funeral home owned by their friend (who was also the undertaker) and spent their wedding night there instead. Here’s what was written in Martin Luther King Jr.: Warrior For Peace:

“I suppose it does sound funny,” Coretta would recall, “but one has to realize there were no hotels with bridal suites for African Americans in that part of the country.”

The funeral home was actually a large house, with several rooms that were not in use. Therefore, the King’s stay there probably wasn’t as funeral-ish as it seems on the outside.

Just another Old School fun fact on this wonderful MLK Day about two of the greatest civil rights icons to have ever been born. Rest on Mrs. Coretta and Dr. King.

The post Here’s Why Dr. King And Coretta Were Forced To Celebrate Wedding Night In A Funeral Home appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an avid fan of Star Trek. He was such a big Trekkie, he even convinced actress Nichelle Nichols, who played “Uhura,” to stay on the show past it’s first season although she wanted to leave. When Nichols told King her intentions of leaving Star Trek, he said “You can’t do that” and explained to her that television needed her because the images on TV have the power to permeate culture, either for the good, or for the bad. “And [Star Trek] is for the highest good,” said Dr. King to Nichelle…

During an interview with NPR, Ms. Nichols explained regarding her conversation with Dr. King during an NAACP fundraiser in Beverly Hills:

Nichelle Nichols- “One of the promoters came over to me and said, Ms. Nichols, there’s someone who would like to meet you. He says he is your greatest fan.

And I’m thinking a Trekker, you know. And I turn, and before I could get up, I looked across the way and there was the face of Dr. Martin Luther King smiling at me and walking toward me. And he started laughing. By the time he reached me, he said, yes, Ms. Nichols, I am your greatest fan. I am that Trekkie.

She continued:

“And I was speechless. He complimented me on the manner in which I’d created the character. I thanked him, and I think I said something like, Dr. King, I wish I could be out there marching with you. He said, no, no, no. No, you don’t understand. We don’t need you on the – to march. You are marching. You are reflecting what we are fighting for. So, I said to him, thank you so much. And I’m going to miss my co-stars.

And his face got very, very serious. And he said, what are you talking about? And I said, well, I told Gene just yesterday that I’m going to leave the show after the first year because I’ve been offered – and he stopped me and said: You cannot do that. And I was stunned. He said, don’t you understand what this man has achieved? For the first time, we are being seen the world over as we should be seen. He says, do you understand that this is the only show that my wife Coretta and I will allow our little children to stay up and watch. I was speechless.”

Years later, Whoopi Goldberg also confirmed to Nichelle Nichols, what Dr. King had previously stated:

N.N.- “I met Whoopi Goldberg when Gene was doing The Next Generation and she had told me when Star Trek came on she was nine years old and she said she turned the TV on and saw me and ran through the house screaming: Come quick, come quick. Theres a black lady on TV and she ain’t no maid.

And that did something to my heart, so I knew that I had made the right decision, because as Dr. King said, you have been chosen.”

Wow…thankfully, Dr. King was always thinking of putting the greater good of our people before his own. And from the looks of it, he convinced other important figures — like Nichelle Nichols — to do the same. So glad she took heed to his advice, and very grateful for the life and legacy Dr. King left in his path. May they both be resting in peace and power.

The post Dr.King Convinced Star Wars’ Nichelle Nichols To Make Crucial Decision; Thankfully, She Did appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

With all of the movies, documentaries, and books that have covered Dr. King’s life, you’d think we now know everything there is to know about him, but turns out there’s more. See why King once attempted suicide in his younger years.

WHY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

In celebration of Black excellence, we’d like to share with you a few little-known facts about one of the greatest leaders to have ever graced humanity – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

At age 12, King attempted suicide after the death of his grandmother. The day she died, he attended a parade against his parent’s wishes. While he was gone, his little brother knocked his grandmother unconscious while sliding down a banister and King blamed himself for the death. Since he was so young, he didn’t realize that the unconsciousness was unrelated to his grandmother’s heart attack. Being distraught and emotional, he jumped out a second story window at his family’s home.

THERE’S MORE…SEE WHAT HE DID WITH BERRY GORDY, HIS SISTER & OTHERS…

KING WAS SIGNED TO BERRY GORDY’S MOTOWN RECORDS
Via Washington Post: “Dr. King told me that my music was really about social integration while he was trying to bring about intellectual and political integration,” Mr. Gordy said. “He wanted me to join him in his movement, and he wanted to be a part of Motown, my label.” Motown put out King’s spoken-word LPs, including “The Great March on Washington” and “The Great March to Freedom.”

HE HAD A VERY STRESSED HEART AT TIME OF DEATH
Although Martin Luther King Jr. was only 39 at the time of his death, autopsy results revealed the he had the heart of a 60-year-old. Doctors believed this was a result of stress.

MLK CONVINCED “STAR TREK” ACTRESS NOT TO QUIT SHOW ALTHOUGH SHE DIDN’T WANT TO STAY

King was an avid fan of Star Trek. He was such a big Trekkie, he even convinced actress Nichelle Nichols, who played “Uhura,” to stay on the show past it’s first season although she wanted to leave. When Nichols told King her intentions of leaving Star Trek, he said “You can’t do that” and explained to her that television needed her because the images on TV have the power to permeate culture, either for the good, or for the bad. “And [Star Trek] is for the highest good,” said Dr. King to Nichelle.

KING DONATED HIS ENTIRE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE PAYMENT
In 1964, at age 35, King was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. King donated ALL of his $54,600 Nobel Peace Prize money to the civil rights movement.

KING ENROLLED IN MOREHOUSE COLLEGE AT JUST 15

Having skipped both the ninth and twelfth grades, Dr. King entered Morehouse College at the age of fifteen. He’s seen here at his baccalaureate service with his sister, Christine (pictured above with MLK), who was graduating from Spelman College.

DR. KING WAS BORN WITH A DIFFERENT NAME
King’s original name was Michael King Jr. In 1931, his father became pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and adopted the name Martin Luther King Sr. When King was 6 years old, his father officially changed his name on his birth certificate to Martin Luther King Jr.

ARRESTED 33 TIMES FIGHTING FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

King was arrested thirty times for his participation in civil rights activities. Here he is being charged with loitering in 1958.

KING’S WORK IS UNPRECEDENTED
From 1957 until his death in 1968, King gave over 2,500 speeches; he traveled more than 6 million miles; and he wrote five books and countless articles published in newspapers and magazines.

MLK WAS BORN INSIDE HIS CHILDHOOD HOME
On Jan. 15, 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr., the second of three children of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King, was born at the family home on 501 Auburn Avenue (shown above).

Source1, Source2

The post Many Never Knew The Heartbreaking Reason Dr. King Attempted Suicide As A Child appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an avid fan of Star Trek. He was such a big Trekkie, he even convinced actress Nichelle Nichols, who played “Uhura,” to stay on the show past it’s first season although she wanted to leave. When Nichols told King her intentions of leaving Star Trek, he said “You can’t do that” and explained to her that television needed her because the images on TV have the power to permeate culture, either for the good, or for the bad. “And [Star Trek] is for the highest good,” said Dr. King to Nichelle…

During an interview with NPR, Ms. Nichols explained regarding her conversation with Dr. King during an NAACP fundraiser in Beverly Hills:

Nichelle Nichols- “One of the promoters came over to me and said, Ms. Nichols, there’s someone who would like to meet you. He says he is your greatest fan.

And I’m thinking a Trekker, you know. And I turn, and before I could get up, I looked across the way and there was the face of Dr. Martin Luther King smiling at me and walking toward me. And he started laughing. By the time he reached me, he said, yes, Ms. Nichols, I am your greatest fan. I am that Trekkie.

She continued:

“And I was speechless. He complimented me on the manner in which I’d created the character. I thanked him, and I think I said something like, Dr. King, I wish I could be out there marching with you. He said, no, no, no. No, you don’t understand. We don’t need you on the – to march. You are marching. You are reflecting what we are fighting for. So, I said to him, thank you so much. And I’m going to miss my co-stars.

And his face got very, very serious. And he said, what are you talking about? And I said, well, I told Gene just yesterday that I’m going to leave the show after the first year because I’ve been offered – and he stopped me and said: You cannot do that. And I was stunned. He said, don’t you understand what this man has achieved? For the first time, we are being seen the world over as we should be seen. He says, do you understand that this is the only show that my wife Coretta and I will allow our little children to stay up and watch. I was speechless.”

Years later, Whoopi Goldberg also confirmed to Nichelle Nichols, what Dr. King had previously stated:

N.N.- “I met Whoopi Goldberg when Gene was doing The Next Generation and she had told me when Star Trek came on she was nine years old and she said she turned the TV on and saw me and ran through the house screaming: Come quick, come quick. Theres a black lady on TV and she ain’t no maid.

And that did something to my heart, so I knew that I had made the right decision, because as Dr. King said, you have been chosen.”

Wow…thankfully, Dr. King was always thinking of putting the greater good of our people before his own. And from the looks of it, he convinced other important figures — like Nichelle Nichols — to do the same. So glad she took heed to his advice, and very grateful for the life and legacy Dr. King left in his path.

The post If Dr. King Hadn’t Persuaded Her, Stars Wars’ Nichelle Nichols Would’ve Quit Show, Here’s Why appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was brutally assassinated on April 4, 1968, his younger brother, Rev. Alfred Daniel “A.D.” King, was with him on that tragic day. That day is forever marked in history, as death the incredibly brave civil rights icon, MLK. The day that has gone largely unnoticed, is the death of MLK’s baby brother, A.D. King- also a civil rights leader- the following year in 1969. As we continue to honor the legacy of Dr. King, we also wanted to shine light on the legacy and mysterious death of the brother who was hidden in MLK’s shadow.

Rare 8 second video of A.D. King speaking at his brother’s funeral. And he sounds just like MLK. pic.twitter.com/UG0yt5PPWF

— Boss (@_ValTown_) April 5, 2018

Mysterious Details Of A.D. King’s Death

Just 15 months after Dr. King Jr. was assassinated, A.D. King died under suspicious circumstances. A.D. was extremely close to his brother, Martin. Following MLK’s assassination, A.D.’s widow, Naomi King, revealed to Seattle Times, that “He never recovered, because he felt it was his duty to protect his brother.”

On July 20, 1969, A.D.’s daughter, Alveda King, overheard him on the phone at their home, venting about MLK’s murder:

“They killed my brother. I’m gonna find out who did it,” he told someone on the phone, as Alveda stood nearby.

The following day, on July 21, 1969 -just 9 days before his 39th birthday- Rev. A.D. King, an avid swimmer, was found dead at the bottom of their family’s pool.

Family’s Suspicions

Following his death, King family members had suspicions about how he’d ‘accidentally died…
A.D. King’s daughter, Alveda King:

“Daddy was killed and put in the pool,” said Alveda, who was at work when the body was discovered. “When they pulled the body out, they began to pump his chest, but no water came out. One of the emergency people said he was dead when he hit the water.” Naomi flew back to Atlanta and, after identifying his body in the morgue, came to the same conclusion. -via ST

A.D.’s wife, Naomi King:

“Absolutely, he was murdered,” Naomi King said. “He was an excellent swimmer. There was no water in his lungs. He was in the fetal position. He had a bruised forehead. Rings around his neck. And he was in his underwear. He was murdered.” For his part, Daddy King said publicly that the civil-rights movement killed both of his sons, furthering the family narrative. -via ST

His Overlooked Legacy

A.D. King was a well known pastor in throughout Birmingham, AL, where he fought for civil rights alongside his brother, MLK, and pastored his own church. He was also known among the confines of their family’s popular Ebenezer Church in Atlanta, Ga. In addition to that, he’s endured many of the struggles several other civil rights leaders did during the 1950’s and 60’s, including having his home bombed while he and his family were still in it, becoming a political prisoner, etc.. Yet, A.D. King’s legacy is still overlooked.

Dear friend of MLK and civil rights activist/former Atlanta mayor, Andrew Young, was by A.D. King’s side, consoling him as they both watched Dr. King die on that Lorraine Hotel balcony in ‘1968. Young later explained, to Seattle Times, why A.D.’s legacy was tucked away in the shadows of American history:

“A.D. King, if it hadn’t been for Martin and Daddy King [MLK Sr.,their father], would have been a prominent preacher in this city, because he was very good,” said Andrew Young. … “But he was Martin’s baby brother. The younger brother becomes the caricature. Somebody that they pick on.”

A.D.’s wife raised a great question:

“How can you be forgotten if you never been known?” asked Naomi.

Rev. Willie Bolden, good friend of A.D. revealed this:

“His [A.D.] strategy was to support his brother. … He never tried to usurp any of the limelight. Many people didn’t even know Martin Luther King had a brother.”

Rev. A.D. King was more than just the ‘unknown King brother,’ he was a father to his and Naomi’s five children- Alveda, Alfred, Derek, Esther and Vernon; a devoted husband; loyal brother; a pastor; and unsung hero of the civil rights fight.

Read How Dr. King’s and A.D. King’s Mother Was Brutally Murdered Shortly After Their Deaths HERE.

The post Brother Of MLK Suspiciously Died Soon After Dr. King, But Here’s Why Many Never Knew appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

It’s been 48 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s beautiful mother, Alberta Williams King, was assassinated, yet the murder of the mother of a man largely responsible for changing America, still goes unnoticed. There are several reasons for that, which we’ll get to in a minute, but first, here are the details of what happened to Mrs. King…

Details Of Mrs. Alberta King’s Murder

On June 30, 1974, Alberta King was killed at 69 years young. It was a Sunday and she was at their infamous Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga., which was pastored by her husband, Rev. Martin Luther King Sr.. Mrs. King was the church’s organist and that day she was excited about playing the new organ they’d just gotten. About 500 people were in attendance for Sunday’s service and the short man, wearing a tan suit and thick glasses, went unnoticed as he walked in and blended with the congregation. King Sr. wasn’t at the church that day. As Mrs. King began playing “The Lord’s Prayer” on their new organ, the congregation bowed their heads in prayer. That’s when Marcus Wayne Chenault, Jr. struck.

Chenault, Jr. a then 23 year old Ohio State dropout, did something eerily reminiscent of the scene from the Malcolm X movie, when one of X’s murderers yelled “Get yo hands out of my pocket” before killing him. Chenault Jr. stood up and yelled “I’m taking over here!…I’m tired of all this!” Then he ran to the pulpit, pulled out two pistols, and fired at Mrs. King until the clips were emptied. Mrs. King and a deacon, Edward Boykin, were killed, while another member was shot, but survived. The New York Times reported that Chenault “told the police that his mission was to kill the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., but he shot Mrs. King instead because she was close to him.”

Was There A Bigger Plot?

Embed from Getty Images

Years ago, when I first learned about Alberta King’s death and the subsequent lack of coverage it gets, my initial assumption was that it was some type of government ordered hit. Yeah that’s a harsh assumption, but given the era she was killed and who she is, it’s not a far fetched assumption. Just 6 years prior in 1968, Mrs. King’s son, MLK Jr., was assassinated and the very next year, her other son, Rev. A.D. King – who was also a civil rights activist- mysteriously drowned in a pool…even though he was a highly skilled swimmer. His wife and father publicly stated they suspected that the “system” murdered him. So yeah, it wasn’t a far fetched assumption to think Mrs. Alberta King was the victim of a bigger plot. However…

Her Killer’s Claims

https://twitter.com/NameSherman/status/878042291910389760

Marcus Chenault, Jr. was diagnosed as mentally ill. Despite his lawyer pleading insanity, he was charged with murder and sentenced to death. During his arraignment in court, Chenault blamed his murderous actions on a split personality- a “Hebrew” he called “Servant Jacob.” When asked about the shooting, Chenault said “I’m a Hebrew and was sent here on a mission and it’s partially accomplished.” When Mrs. King’s husband, Martin Luther King, Sr., asked Chenault why he killed her, he replied: “Because she was a Christian and all Christians are my enemies.” Chenault also claimed that months prior to the shooting, he’d determined that “Black ministers were a menace to black people and must be killed.”

Why Mrs. King’s Assassination Goes Unnoticed?

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One reason Alberta King’s murder isn’t widely known, could be a reflection of the life she led. You see, she was a wonderful mother and wife, but a very soft spoken and shy woman. Although she was a strong pillar within the powerful King family, Mrs. King preferred to remain in the background. Her son, Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, in one of his essays, that his mother was always by his side throughout his grueling civil rights fight, “behind the scene, setting forth those motherly cares, the lack of which leaves a missing link in life.” Reverend L.V. Booth stated, at Mrs. King’s funeral, that she “sounded no trumpets to call attention to her greatness.” Her legacy has been overshadowed by the powerful men in her life and that is something that Mrs. King didn’t mind at all.

King Family Saved Life Of Mrs. King’s Killer

It was because of the King family, that Chenault Jr.’s life was spared. The Kings are firmly against the death penalty, so they pushed to have his death sentence tossed, in exchange for life in prison. On August 22, 1995, Chenault died at age 44 after suffering a stroke in prison.

King Sr.’s Vow To Wife At Funeral

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After losing two sons and his wife, King Sr. was exhausted and in extreme pain, but determined to remain strong for his deceased family. At his wife’s funeral, Rev. King Sr. made a vow to Mrs. King -whom affectionately called “Bunch.” “I’m not gonna quit and I’m not gonna be stopped. … We’ve got to carry on,” King Sr. said, referring to the civil rights fight his sons fought. Then, he gazed at his wife’s white casket and softly added, “So, Bunch, I’m coming on up home. I’ll be home almost any time now,” assuming that he, too, would soon be murdered, due to his vow to keep fighting for equal rights. Martin Luther King Sr. passed away from a heart attack on November 11, 1984, at age 84.

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