United States – Naomi Barber King, a civil rights activist and the leader of the civil rights Martin Luther King Jr.’s youngest brother’s spouse, died at the age of 92.
Championing Empowerment for Women and Youth
On Thursday, she passed quietly in Atlanta; the news was announced by family members through the A.D. King Foundation.
Naomi King created the organization in May 2008, and she wants to empower and encourage both women and youth. In addition, she wants to advance strategies and mechanisms of non-violent social change, as reported by the Associated Press.
“She was a woman of quiet dignity, overcoming strength, and steadfast support to her husband, family, and circles of influence within and beyond Atlanta,” the statement said.
From Dothan, Alabama, to Civil Rights Icon
Naomi King was raised in Dothan, Alabama, according to the foundation’s website. She, along with her mum, Bessie Barber, had come to Atlanta to “make it a better life” themselves. In 1949 King registered at Spelman and devoted one year to the study of French. Later, she went to the University of Alabama to study interior design, the site’s website explains.
She married the Reverend Alfred Daniel Williams King, a reverend and civil rights warrior, whom she met at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she was also a member. By 1950, they tied the knot and had five children. In July 1969, A.D. King lost his life, too.
The couple became supporters of the late leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his actions in the civil rights movement. They were also by his side in many famous historical events, including the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, one of the most important political rallies ever held in the U.S.
Naomi King published a book in 2014 titled, “A.D. and ML King: “Two Brothers Who Courageously Dreamed”.
Lasting Impact
Through a butterfly theme and being lovingly referred to as the “Butterfly Queen,” King demonstrated courage, resilience, and grace in the face of injustice, anxieties, and sorrows that were recently presented in a 2022 documentary, as reported by Associated Press.
Her son Derek King, daughter Alveda King, and numerous grandkids survive her.