Alberta Christine Williams King was born on September 13, 1904, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the daughter of Jenny Celeste Parks and Reverend Adam McNeil Williams. Growing up in a deeply religious household, she was instilled with strong values of compassion, justice, and equality.
After completing her education at Spelman College in Georgia, Alberta King further pursued her passion for education by completing a teacher's course at Hampton University in Virginia. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Martin Luther King, Sr. The couple married and went on to have three children: Martin Luther King, Jr., Christine King Farris, and Alfred Daniel Williams King I.
Alberta King's life took a tragic turn when her famous son, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., was assassinated. The pain of losing her son was deepened when, several years later, she herself became a victim of violence. Her shooter, a young African American man named Marcus Wayne Chenault, confronted her in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where her son, husband, and father had all preached. Chenault, who suffered from mental illness, believed all people of the Christian faith to be his enemies. In 1995, while serving a lifetime prison sentence, he passed away from a stroke.
Despite the tragedies she faced, Alberta King's legacy of strength, resilience, and activism lives on. She was a dedicated mother, wife, and advocate for civil rights. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one individual can have in the fight for justice and equality.
Alberta King's role in the civil rights movement extended beyond her immediate family. She was also the mother-in-law of Coretta Scott King, who played a significant role in continuing the work of her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., after his death. Together, these women forged strong bonds of sisterhood and solidarity in the fight for social change.
In conclusion, Alberta King's life was marked by tragedy, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and change-makers who strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society.