35 Facts About Alberta Williams King

Early Life and Family Background

Alberta Williams King, a significant figure in American history, was born into a family deeply rooted in the church and civil rights.

1. Alberta Christine Williams was born on September 13, 1904, in Atlanta, Georgia.
2. Her parents were Reverend Adam Daniel Williams, a prominent Baptist minister, and Jennie Celeste Parks Williams.
3. Alberta had one sibling, a brother named Alfred Daniel Williams.
4. She grew up in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where her father served as pastor.

Education and Career

Alberta's dedication to education and her career in teaching played a crucial role in shaping her life and the lives of those around her.

5. She attended Spelman Seminary, now known as Spelman College, in Atlanta.
6. Alberta earned a teaching certificate from Hampton Normal and Industrial Institute in Virginia.
7. She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morris Brown College in Atlanta.
8. Alberta worked as a teacher at the Atlanta Public Schools for several years.

Marriage and Family Life

Alberta's marriage to Martin Luther King Sr. and her role as a mother were pivotal in the civil rights movement.

9. She married Martin Luther King Sr. on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1926.
10. The couple had three children: Christine King Farris, Martin Luther King Jr., and Alfred Daniel Williams King.
11. Alberta was a supportive wife, often helping her husband in his pastoral duties at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
12. She played a significant role in raising her children with strong values and a commitment to social justice.

Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement

Alberta Williams King's influence extended beyond her family, impacting the broader civil rights movement.

13. She was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
14. Alberta participated in various civil rights activities, including voter registration drives.
15. She supported her son, Martin Luther King Jr., in his leadership of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
16. Alberta's home was a meeting place for civil rights leaders and activists.

Tragic End and Legacy

Alberta's life was tragically cut short, but her legacy continues to inspire.

17. On June 30, 1974, Alberta was shot and killed while playing the organ at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
18. The assailant, Marcus Wayne Chenault, claimed he was on a mission to kill Christian ministers.
19. Alberta's death was a significant loss to the civil rights community and her family.
20. Her legacy lives on through the work of her children and the many lives she touched.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Alberta had a rich personal life filled with interests and hobbies that brought her joy.

21. She was an accomplished organist and pianist, often playing at church services.
22. Alberta enjoyed gardening and took pride in maintaining a beautiful garden at her home.
23. She was an avid reader, with a particular interest in religious and educational literature.
24. Alberta loved cooking and was known for her delicious Southern cuisine.

Impact on Education and Religion

Alberta's contributions to education and religion were profound and long-lasting.

25. She established the Ebenezer Baptist Church's first choir, which became a cornerstone of the church's music ministry.
26. Alberta was instrumental in organizing educational programs and Sunday school classes at the church.
27. She mentored many young people in the community, encouraging them to pursue higher education.
28. Alberta's influence extended to the broader Baptist community, where she was respected as a leader and educator.

Recognition and Honors

Alberta's contributions have been recognized and honored in various ways.

29. In 1974, she was posthumously awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize.
30. Alberta's life and work have been commemorated in numerous books and documentaries about the King family.
31. The Alberta Williams King Scholarship Fund was established to support students pursuing higher education.
32. Her legacy is celebrated annually on Alberta Williams King Day in Atlanta.

Influence on the King Family

Alberta's influence on her family, particularly her children, was profound and lasting.

33. She instilled in her children a deep sense of faith, justice, and commitment to social change.
34. Alberta's teachings and values were evident in Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches and writings.
35. Her legacy continues through the work of her daughter, Christine King Farris, and other family members who remain active in civil rights advocacy.

Remembering Alberta Williams King

Alberta Williams King wasn't just Martin Luther King Jr.'s mother. She was a powerful force in her own right. Her dedication to education, music, and civil rights shaped her son's path and left a lasting impact on the community. Alberta's life, filled with both triumphs and tragedies, reminds us of the strength and resilience needed to fight for justice. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the movements she inspired. By understanding her story, we gain a deeper appreciation for the roots of the civil rights movement and the incredible individuals who fueled it. Alberta's contributions may not always be in the spotlight, but they are undeniably significant. Let's honor her memory by continuing to strive for equality and justice in our own lives.