Trauma of MLK Jr.'s assassination is still fresh in children's minds

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Only on CBS News, Michelle Miller spoke with his three living children for their first joint interview in 12 years. The trauma of April 4, 1968 is still fresh in their minds.
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[@danielgray1147]

You can clearly see Dexter as he talks about it he is still shaken about what happened.

[@angela3403]

How old was he. when his dad died.

[@danielgray1147]

Martin the third was 10 Dexter was 7 and Bernice was 5

[@angela3403]

thanks. for telling me

[@brianpearis1478]

He looks and sounds like his father

[@isabellanieves7951]

Yes I feel bad for him

[@brettsfav4]

It was wonderful to see the Martin, Dexter and Bernice together. Your father left a great legacy. Thank you for sharing him with us.

[@cedricdean6761]

They were not allowed to grieve openly because they were being filmed. Regardless of their status a loss of loved one is a loss Pray for them.

[@karenwells1650]

Where was Yolanda, the oldest?

[@brettsfav4]

Karen Wells She passed away a few years ago.

[@rldriver4470]

@@karenwells1650 She died in 2007.

[@deloreswillis9224]

Amen

[@wileyjohnson5681]

Four small children when he passed. Heartbreaking

[@angela3403]

What about. John F Kennedy did he have kids too when he was killed how old were his kids back then.

[@wileyjohnson5681]

@@angela3403 Kennedy kids were around the same age when he was killed.

[@angela3403]

Aw. thats so sad thanks for telling me.

[@rihamali5245]

@@wileyjohnson5681 nhj kh high

[@madeinmississippi662]

How profound and unselfish of Ms. Bernice King. God bless all of the King children.

[@deloreswillis9224]

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@charissew4798]

Dexter has post traumatic stress disorder. After 50 years, you will never get over it

[@stevewoodson4635]

Yeah you think 4 so

[@whouwit24]

All three of the siblings are there, I know one missing which the late Yolanda King. RIP!

[@lafredahendricks1232]

Rest in peace Yolanda king

[@Vfieldsone]

I can never forgive America for things like this! He was a man of peace.

[@jayvalero4700]

TRUE

[@vanessadorahill292]

Forgive them,because payday is coming.

[@osazuwaogbeide1540]

we should have remained segregated black people should never have to risk there lives or something that should already be in place

[@melliemel32]

I understand your sentiment, but MLK would have wanted you to forgive. The whole movement from his side was a forgiving one because it was marked by nonviolence. Even more importantly, Jesus Christ wants us to forgive. ~~Jesus is Lord~~

[@Nisha63001]

Forgive the world payday is coming soon and sooner than you think it's not.

[@deneenjeffries2768]

Dexter wrote a book about how painful their Father's assassination was... they weren't allowed to deal with the pain... deep

[@danielgray1147]

I’m currently reading it right now

[@nathanielanderson7567]

Dexter looks just like MLK.

[@derekleaphart5036]

I agree with you 💯 percent

[@lovelysosweet8386]

Yes

[@COJAZZ3]

He does and so handsome

[@derrickT0607]

@@COJAZZ3 you have a crush on him??

[@derrickT0607]

@@derekleaphart5036 agreed.

[@leslieh761]

For the first time this year, while watching the MLK events in Memphis, I saw and heard some of the pain and trauma of Dr, King's children. While our nation lost a hero, a leader ... they lost their father. I'm glad to hear them talk about it and hope that they can find peace with themselves and the memory of their father. He belonged to them first. Years ago, I read Dexter's book and found it to be painfully truthful and touching as he struggled to establish his own identity. They've been through a lot. You don't have to be heroes. We just want you to survive and be OK. God bless you all.

[@roxannadrake7186]

Beautiful

[@princessglittersparkle1994]

Well said

[@aleashaabbas3157]

They all had already found peace and destiny that would manifest like ages ago. Get hip on the times. The media has blitzed your senses … America is so late on the matter. We ALL stand with the children who are a greater blueprint than their cheating father who was a human being full of faults and debauchery (some folk are full of less).

[@kozay154]

Coretta had babies outside of the marriage She was no saint Not only that she was a pastor wife That has multiple babies just like her husband with other partners glorifies

[@mich1brit2jess4]

RIP Dexter King

[@judybelin9115]

Good to see all the King's children together talking about their father's legacy. Also to see them healing from the troubles they had between the siblings. God bless the King family move forward and live your lives.

[@gailreese4102]

Fifty-Five Years later, I can still vividly remember watching MLK Jr.'s televised funeral services. The memory of 5-year-old Bernice's laying on the lap of her Mother was heartbreaking. Such a sad & devastating loss for us all.

[@OneQueenB]

I always felt sad for the kids and wives of not only Martin Luther King, but Malcom X as well as the Kennedy family. To have to continually re-live this every year BREAKS MY HEART.

[@ilae.williams7675]

"It is a life-long process". Spoken like a Spelman woman. She is correct, absolutely, when it comes to grieving for a father...Ila E Williams, Spelman'74

[@carladenise486]

Martin Luther King was a GREAT man. Its so sad how someone who had so much love for everyone in his heart was tragically killed. 😢💔

[@mr.min.mercer9605]

Rest In Peace Yolanda Denise King.🇺🇸

[@angeljohnson6665]

Mr.Wes Mercer oh ok she died that was the oldest sibling right? I thought it was 5 of them

[@angelaspringfield5584]

Now RIP Dexter King and Yolanda King.

[@wardatkins1320]

Very hard to watch without tearing up .

[@Angel-tw3ko]

Thank God for Dr Martin Luther king Jr legacy, there will never be another hero that will replace his void.. may he and Mrs. King RIP and may God please bless his family

[@leongardner710]

HE WAS A GREAT MAN...perfect no, but he MADE the world a better place! where he found hatred, he spread love...the ones that should've embrace him...despised when he was murdered

[@wattakesselly6463]

❤

[@kurtfjackson]

I feel that some of the reason that they r having such a hard time is because every year they have to relive April 4, 1968 I think they need to stop showing him lying on that balcony being mortally wounded put yourself in there shoes u r having to watch this every year I think they r handling this quite well under the circumstances and I don't know all that they have had to endure but in times like this they really need God and each other

[@RiRilove62]

@Kurt f Jackson I agree

[@Blessed2bhere34]

I’m so proud of them and love them dearly! Being from Atlanta you sometimes forget how rich our city is culturally. As a child I will never forget going to Our Lady of Lords on boulevard literally across the street from the King center and always looking out and seeing his tomb every day that summer. I’ll never forget when Nelson Mandela was released and he came to Atlanta and they had a huge parade and he came down Auburn Avenue right in front of the King center. My grandmother crying and holding me. It felt so good to be black!

[@Pistons2024]

RIP Dexter King sadness is in my heart 💔🥲

[@itscoco5716]

frr

[@theorderofthebees7308]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Arethafan67]

Martin III looks just like coretta Dexter and Bernice are spitting images of their dad

[@adrienneflowersscott9290]

Yolanda looked like both of her parents. ❤

[@my3boysms]

Bernice does not look like them I don't see it

[@karriemburton9024]

That interview was an opportunity to really tell how they feel....they still trying to show strength....

[@karriemburton9024]

Their father called for a radical redistribution of economic power.......blackpeople focus and lock in on the last 2 years of martin king's life and u will see he was evolving into what he would have became had he lived......they always try to limit him to his I have a dream speech

[@andrebond678]

And also I wonder they may say in private "They didn't ask to be born in that kind of life. they was endured mainly their father and I see why when all their adult life except Martin III who was married and got a child- not got married and having a family and they don't want put them the same situation they was when they was in their young childhood had their father or mother life be in dangerous each day and kind of work they was doing and that was too much for them had to bare had Dexter, Bernice (Yolanda R.I.P) had they got married and have children.

[@chazmbc.burchh.c.9219]

Rest Well In Paradise, Dexter Scott King.... you are so well loved & reunited again with your family

[@athorpe630]

I was 8 years old but remember it like yesterday. It will always be apart of my memories.

[@simplycarlton5582]

Martin lll Got Emotional when The Old Footage was Played 😔

[@KEICRUMBIE]

A Hug for Berneice, and all three of them. 😇 💔

[@happynappydrj5238]

Please read Dexter’s autobiography Growing Up King. As you see on the video, he had a lot of feelings to work through and his book is a testament to honesty and resilience.

[@kmoore5215]

They had to go through this but not only that, they had to go through it again with their grandmother 😢😢😢

[@byfaithwalking1529]

And the questionable circumstances surrounding their uncle's death

[@xariah2546]

You can see the longing in Martin’s eyes when they show the video of the Christmas special. They are so amazingly brave. Their father’s legacy will live on as well as their own legacies. Their father’s life and death is of course a big part of their life and honestly that is such a cool and intricate journey. I know that God is for them, so who can possibly be against them. Nothing in this world. God turns sadness into joy☮️💟✝️

[@angeljohnson6665]

Xariah Chase i agree

[@mr.min.mercer9605]

Rest In Peace Rev.Dr.Martin Luther King .🇺🇸

[@cgcade1]

In tears. I am so grateful for their sacrifices as well sharing their parent with this nation in particular. And the impact of their work for humanity across the entire planet. Rest Well In Power.

[@michellestreater3296]

Not only MLK amazing but so is his children

[@mr.min.mercer9605]

Rest In Peace Mrs.Corretta Scott King.🇺🇸

[@frankreynoldsnh4798]

Judge Joe Brown the last judge to see the case. He said the shooter was never caught. And there was two of them in a building.... This world is a dark place if you really look into it.

[@hueykhalidX]

The AmeriKKKan government facilitated the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His family proved this in a 1999 court case-which was not publicized in any way.

[@eastside313yahdig.2]

Frank Reynolds NH i heard his interview

[@melliemel32]

You’re right, which is why we need Jesus Christ!

[@Carolina_girl86]

OMG, I can't believe Dexter and Martin III saw it on TV and till this day he has PTSD over breaking news. That is soo sad!!

[@brenda9410]

They will never get over this.Who could?What a loss🙏😞💔

[@GAB8407]

"Where would OUR world be?" How many more innocent people in this world and life have to die for justice?😔😔😔

[@ecclairmayo4153]

That was tough to hear dexter king talking about PTSD when he sees breaking news. It was also nice to hear they are healing. I also think it was interesting that they acknowledged this legacy was dumbed down as he was more radical in his thinking. The thing is, even the dumbed down version of him was considered radical and extreme for that time.

[@hotmama9772]

Aww them looking at themselves from so long ago..making me tear up...I just watches that video earlier.

[@jjcjjc333]

They need to go to counseling as a family it's very obvious. It needs to be some healing to take place.

[@apostolic7770]

JJC JJC Bernice passed away years ago

[@rldriver4470]

Kandice Lenoir NO that was Yolanda king.

[@ilae.williams7675]

"A life long process"...spoken like a true Spelman woman...Bernice King is absolutely correct about grieving for a father. It is a life-long process...period Ila E Williams, Spelman'74...

[@loisluge1479]

Incredible. Great reporting. Award winning.

[@sonjaanderson6933]

I will not hate, but will NEVER FORGET.

[@niecybaker7388]

💪💪💪⚘🌻🕆😇your dad and mother were strong love y'all god bless all of you

[@raellmoreland2373]

God bless the children surviving

[@jamesmurray8558]

They were never able to live their lives in peace. I always feel thankful for them.You will never know the pain.So thank you.And God bless you.

[@ask4theupgrade359]

Unsung hero, Bonnie Blair, typing up those 33 letters for those Memphis Sanitation workers

[@theorderofthebees7308]

I would love a longer interview with his children . I am grateful for the sacrifices that his family made

[@reneeevans4403]

no one should have to lose their life to fight for rights that we are all born to have. thanks to everyone that gave up their lives for us.

[@tribefan9112003]

I think many of us don't realize how great his mission was, and what a gifted man he was. Some point to rumors of his infidelities and yet I am deeply moved the more I read about Dr. King and what he did for our country....and I'm grateful for him. Although his death brought about so much good in the long run, I wish he were still here, that his voice would still be heard. It's indeed striking to see his resemblance in his children. :)

[@Mpirefilms]

Uplift Yolanda King's name. She is the oldest daughter who passed in 2007.

[@alisonallen4415]

One thing for sure the King couple made beautiful children. Peace and blessings to you all ❤️❤️❤️

[@sclumumba8453]

Continue resting in peace Dr Martin Luther king Jr your legacy will never be forgotten.

[@mariarod6998]

I can’t watch this anymore lm sorry and still grieving for this beautiful kind man

[@cynthiawright6193]

Great interview!!

[@ShaNeedra]

3:33 Mike Wallace: And what do you want for Christmas? Bernice: A biiiicyle Aw, Bernice was so cute. 😊 RIP MLK, Jr., Ms. Coretta, and Ms. Yolanda. ✝️😇❤️🕊

[@asill.6668]

And now Dexter Scott King 😢🙏😢

[@zacqueeentertainment7336]

This was powerful

[@anathorn1]

Good interview ✌🏽👏🏽🙂📚. Enjoyed hearing the King Children speak on behalf of their father.

[@dsrgreen29]

Im here after the passing of Dexter King

[@monalouise6996]

He WAS far more radical than he is portrayed. I pray that one day we will see equality. Even today there is hope however we have a very long way to go.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

So glad they mentioned it

[@enolamsamoht]

Rip Yolanda.

[@Beencouraged777]

I’m so sorry. Bernice is so beautiful.

[@asill.6668]

Yes she is!!!

[@JWNS08]

She has such a radiant complexion.

[@crystalgrose]

I just love all of them ♥️♥️♥️ Rest in Heaven Dr. King, Mrs. King, and Yolanda 🌹🌹🌹

[@asill.6668]

And now Dexter Scott King - Jan 22 2024 🙏😢🙏

[@trojanette8345]

Why did you not make mention (by name) of MLK's oldest, Yolanda "Yoki" Denise King?

[@JTScott1988]

Its TRAUMATIC for them. Thats why

[@Cangelo629]

Yolanda passed away shortly after her mother in 2007.

[@MrMystri]

I agree whilst it may have been traumatic to mention her they were still shown a 1968 video clip with her in it. She should have mentioned her name at the beginning, there were four children not three

[@pamelapolk7128]

So sad that Dexter King had past this week. My heartfelt prayers for this family. ❤

[@ladonnawashington1643]

Where would our world be? What a great sacrifice.

[@urfavreagan.]

Why, why! Martin was such A GREAT MAN the speech was about his kids. God bless you Martin and all the people who went through this.💔😭😭😭💔😭😭😭💔😭😭😭💔

[@Amaruforlife]

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR's children has the same resemblance like their father. To their father MLK Jr, I've admired your father. To me he's is a symbol of peace and hope. 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👫👨‍👧‍👦 R.I.P Mr King. ✊🏿🙏🏾

[@CBrown9758]

My words could not express to u the King family for what God worked through your farther and mother but definitely and most importantly u who have sacrificed so much to this day. Bernice your selfless words shine so bright in this dark day and time thank u so much☺.ML jr. thank u so much for your total support of Ferguson Missouri and the entire St.Louis area when we truely needed the support. Dexter u handsome raskle I will pray for u and your siblings every time u come to thought but look to God by opening your heart to the Lord and trust for your deliverance from this issue if not more☺.

[@ellissuttonjr]

Very touching. Amazing family. I wonder why they chose to have CBS interview them together? Was it based purely on outreach?

[@VarietyD]

😢 Rest In Power Dexter King 🕊🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏿

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

Yes indeed…❤️‍🩹🙏🏾😥

[@shicoboo374]

He dream became reality. peace to this world. Rip Dr Martin Luther King Jr.🙏🏽✊🏽

[@joycemartinez606]

So how you think Vanessa and her babies feel just like this

[@mommyshark1124]

Dexter is a photo copy of his dad. His manner of speaking sounds so much like his dad. I wonder of MLK granddaughter Yolanda is his reincarnation cause when I tell you she has MLK whole face💖

[@byiza9484]

They look great! Especially Dexter. 50 years! Wonder if the trauma of their dad’s death have anything to do with them not having any children?

[@angela3403]

What. arent any of them married or have kids.

[@MAHall1011]

@@angela3403 Yes, MLK III is married and has a daughter. His daughter is named after his late sister Yolanda King.

[@angela3403]

Thats cool

[@leighgoodwinmba2702]

Good point. I never wondered if they had kids or not.

[@WilliamBrown-vl2hl]

Dr.King's inner circle was in on the hit on Dr.King back in 1968.😗🐱🍐🌐🏆🔔🛅🇦🇹

[@MsCK34]

Yea, Jesse Jackson was the number one snitch!!😡

[@JTScott1988]

Thats crazy. Ur insane

[@kristenmotton4062]

Rest in peace Dexter King🙏🙏🙏. Just one week from his dad's birthday on a holiday!!! I hate cancer😡😡😡. I know his parents and his sister are welcoming him back home to heavenly gates.. Its gonna be a happy reunion❤️. 62 is way too young to go. Dexter going home on MLK month, he is almost 63 in 3 more days so as the 18th anniversary of his moms passing as well. She died on his birthday. Aint it something! The King Family had been raised very well with keeping justice as well as intergity together. We needed more like this in todays world. He would have been here to save the nation. RIP Coretta, Martin Jr, Yolanda and Dexter. Prayers goes out to the King family.. I cant even imagine how they feeling growing up without a father. I can see Dexter still traumatized about this.. So heartbreaking 💔. Like i just said, hes back home with his loved ones. Be thankful and glad

[@terrigurganus7462]

I feel like we going backwards then forward young people in life I know every young person have a dream go for it

[@tones.melodies]

Wow that last word by Bunny was amazing.

[@apostleharrietlocklear8138]

You never ever can imagine the Impact of Losing such a Great Man Like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Great sacrifice of his Life and Losing it . Giving to set the World free of People hating and Abusive behavior because of the Color of Our Skin .No one can ever repay his Children or Wife for the Lost of their Father or Mrs Corretta Scott King Husband.We must and should learn from The past to become a better Person . Honor what he stood and died for.. We have Lost to Many to soon also too young.

[@ninasimone727]

WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY BEFORE WE AS BLACK ARE TREATED EQUAL. THIS IS HEART BREAKING. ON JOBS WE ARE TREATED LESS THAN AND HIGH END DEPARTMENT STORES BEING IGNORED AND WATCHED AND ASKED TO LEAVE....MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

[@ExquisiteKinkyCoils]

Yes, the King's legacy has been dumbed down to "injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere".... King was so much more than the few lines those love to speak. Thank you King family, there are those of us who support your healing as well.

[@libertyann439]

Can't believe Bernice saying she doesn't wish he was still alive!

[@iamalan67]

This is even More Poignant in light of Youngest Son Dexter Scott King dying so soon at the Tender age of 62.

[@callieford2228]

Bernice: "as kids we were close..."what happened? Can they not come together as family as their dad expected the races to come together and live in harmony??🤔

[@coxsonron]

callie ford you’re talking about family vs the world. Nobody can get you angry like your family. Even if one doesn’t have buttons to push, your family members will find a way to stitch on buttons -just to press them.

[@lashawnnelson9257]

Callie these adults are still stuck emotionally at the ages they were when they lost their father. They were not allowed to grieve because of who they were related to. Years ago, it was mentioned by Yolanda (the oldest sister) that they lost their mother to the Civil Rights Movement after the death of their father. So in many respects these children are still emotionally damaged and searching for their real identity. They were told that they were "Dr. King's children", and they had to act with a strong sense of decorum and dignity. They had to preserve his legacy at all costs. Also, at the time of their father's death, the black community did not discuss or embrace mental health issues. Each of these individuals has some form of mental health struggles associated with their father's death. Once their mother died, the division was more visible because they no longer had to pretend to be who they were not, but the sad fact is they're still struggling to figure out who they are.

[@patrinacopeland265]

They are together, don't insinuate otherwise.

[@ExquisiteKinkyCoils]

Thank you for sharing your story, Bernice, Martin Luther King III, and Dexter. God bless the King family, each and every one of them living or in heaven. Each of you have my prayers, love, respect, and encouragement.

[@natelylaroyce7277]

Dr.King needed to be here and to lead Us back to greatness .Things have gotten worse Bernice not better!

[@normanrevell6371]

I was a soldier in Vietnam April 4 1968 when I herd the news about the killing of Martin Luther King Jr g

[@professorx8549]

Not disrespect, but he did earn the title " dr." i.e. Ph.d.

[@crystalsherman8896]

God bless them. R.I.P to Dexter, Yolanda, and Mr&Mrs. King

[@ninahall4929]

I was 6 years old when i watch it on tv i never forgot it is hard god bless the whole family he was a god man

[@SpiritualPsychDecoder]

Wow. I couldn’t imagine being the child of MLK. He is relevant to this day. Imagine being the children of him. How could they ever undo that experience. It’s most likely haunting

[@johnnyd5374]

This is still heartbreaking!

[@princess_ama]

I can’t imagine what it must have been like for them to have to relive their father’s death being reported constantly on TV, radio, and the newspaper. When a popular public figure dies, those reports usually go on for quite a while.

[@marylouirick7316]

Always think of the good time with ur Dad,not the bad time.Be glad ur Dad and Mom are finally together,😄!

[@Mrs51315]

Bless them 🙏🏽

[@deloreswillis9224]

Amen 🙏🏿

[@aleshascott2673]

Beautiful family

[@queenmama9229]

Its beautiful to see them today. I love that they said Honoble Dr. KING was Radical. 🤎🖤❤🧡✊

[@worldmadness2566]

It seems Martin's kids are now able to be in the same room with each other. At one time they were suing one another for their dad' s personal Bible and Nobel Peace prize His son's won and we're able to sell the items for millions of dollars For a long time these three couldn't even be in the same room without arguing

[@2011Savere]

The youngest son just passed on. RIP.