Alberta King
Alberta Christine Williams King was more than the mother of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was a musician, church leader, educator, wife, mother, and the quiet foundation of one of the most important families in American history.
Born on September 13, 1904, in Atlanta, Georgia, Alberta was the daughter of Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Jennie Celeste Parks Williams. She grew up within the life of the Black church, where faith, education, music, and community leadership were intertwined. She later attended Hampton University and earned a degree from Morris Brown College.
Alberta married Martin Luther King Sr., known as “Daddy King,” and together they raised three children: Christine King Farris, Martin Luther King Jr., and Alfred Daniel Williams King. In the King household, Alberta helped shape a home filled with discipline, faith, learning, and music. Her influence helped form the spiritual and moral foundation that guided Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and ministry.
At Ebenezer Baptist Church, Alberta served as a powerful force behind the scenes. She founded the church choir and served as the church organist for decades, with records noting her service from 1932 to 1972. She also served as choir director and organized women’s leadership in the church through the Ebenezer Women’s Committee.
Her music mattered. Alberta King helped create the spiritual atmosphere that surrounded Ebenezer Baptist Church. The hymns, choirs, and worship traditions she led were part of the same sacred environment that shaped Dr. King’s sense of justice, courage, and public witness.
But Alberta King’s life also carried deep tragedy. She lived through the assassination of her son, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in 1968, and the death of her younger son, A.D. King, in 1969. Then, on June 30, 1974, Alberta King was shot and killed while seated at the organ inside Ebenezer Baptist Church. Deacon Edward Boykin was also killed, and another person was wounded in the attack.
Her death is one of the most overlooked tragedies connected to the King family. Yet her legacy should not be remembered only through violence. Alberta King’s true legacy is the life she built: a life of music, motherhood, ministry, courage, and service.
Closing
Alberta King helped raise a voice that changed the world, but she also had a voice of her own — a voice of faith, music, strength, and sacred courage.