Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Fact 8: His Mother Was Also Assassinated
A lesser-known event in Martin Luther King Jr.’s life is the murder of his mother, Alberta Williams King. This happened on June 30, 1974, more than six years after Dr. King’s death.
The Tragic 1974 Church Shooting
Alberta Williams King was playing the organ at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. She was shot by Marcus Wayne Chenault, a 21-year-old white supremacist. Chenault was inspired by the same hate that killed Dr. King.
The shooting killed Alberta King and a church choir member, Edward Boykin. This event was very hard for the King family.
The King Family’s Continued Sacrifices for Justice
Despite this tragedy, the King family kept fighting for justice and equality. Dr. King’s children, Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, have followed in their father’s footsteps. They work hard in civil rights and social justice.
Their work shows the strength and values Dr. King taught his family. The King family’s sacrifices remind us of the ongoing fight for justice and equality in America.
Thinking about Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, we must remember his family’s experiences. Their work continues to impact us today.
