Yolanda King, the eldest daughter of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away on May 15, 2007, from a heart condition.
Yolanda Denise King was born on November 17, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama. She grew up in the midst of the civil rights movement, with her father being one of the most prominent leaders of the era. Yolanda followed in her parents’ footsteps, becoming an advocate for social justice and human rights. She was also an actress and a speaker, using her talents to promote her father’s legacy and the values he stood for.
Yolanda graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University. She appeared in numerous films and television shows, often in roles that highlighted social issues. As a public speaker, she traveled extensively, giving talks on racial equality, nonviolence, and the importance of continuing the work her father had begun.
In addition to her work in entertainment and advocacy, Yolanda co-founded the King Center, an institution dedicated to the advancement of the legacy and ideas of her parents. She served on the center’s board and was actively involved in its programs.
Her sudden death at the age of 51 came as a shock to many. She collapsed and died in Santa Monica, California, after speaking at a meeting for the American Heart Association. Her family stated that she had a history of heart problems. Yolanda’s passing was mourned by many who saw her as a living link to her father and a vibrant force in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Her legacy continues through the work of the King Center and the many people she inspired throughout her life.