Family photos of Martin Luther King Jr

For many of us, Martin Luther King Jr. was a mega-force of the civil rights movement – a prolific orator whose oratorical talent and passion for equal rights for all resonate to this day

At home, however, the late, productive leader was simply called “Dad.” As a loving father, Dr. King has four children with his wife Coretta Scott: daughters Yolanda Denise (69) and Bernice Albertine (61) and sons Martin Luther III (67) and Dexter Scott (63).

As we celebrate his 96th birthday, we look at some pictures of Martin Luther King Jr. with his family.

Happy days

The Kings with their daughter Yolanda.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Dr. King and his wife Coretta Scott King are photographed spending a quiet moment with their firstborn Yolanda while relaxing in their home in 1956.

On the way

Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and family.

Tom Gallagher/NY Daily News via Getty

The young family poses in front of their plane as they prepare to fly from Idlewild Airport in Queens, New York to Alabama.

Family days

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., his wife Coretta and their two children.

Tom Gallagher/NY Daily News Archive via Getty

Moments earlier, King was seen gazing admiringly at his daughter Yolanda while Martin III. sitting comfortably in Coretta’s arms.

Come together

Martin Luther King Jr. with his family.

TPLP/Getty

Dr. King and his wife Coretta were pictured with three of their children – Yolanda, Martin III and Dexter – at their Atlanta home.

Learn lessons

Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta with their children.

Donald Uhrbrock/Getty

In this recording from 1960, the Kings play piano with their children Yolanda and Martin III.

Sign of the times

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holds Martin Luther King III.

Bettmann Archive/Getty

In the picture, the civil rights activist can be seen holding two-year-old Martin III. as he looks at a burned cross outside his home in Atlanta, Georgia.

Lighter moments

Dr. King and his family.

Bettmann Archive/Getty

In this picture from 1960, Dr. King lovingly greeted by his family as he is released from the Georgia State Penitentiary after being imprisoned for leading boycotts

Happy reunion

The royal family.

Donald Uhrbrock/Getty

The family remains close as they celebrate their reunion.

Looking up to dad

Yolanda King with her father Martin Luther King Jr.

AP Photo/Jack Thornell

Young Yolanda King watches from the pew as her father makes his case during a speech at a political rally in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1966.

Polished up

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King sit with three of their children.

AP photo

Dr. King makes sure his namesake’s tie sits nice and straight as the family prepares for a photo shoot.

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