Sorority Mourns Loss of Yolanda King

President cites AKA connection

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s International President Barbara A. McKinzie mourned the untimely loss of Yolanda King and called on the organization’s 200,000 members worldwide to remember the family in their prayers.

Declared McKinzie, “As the oldest child of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King, Yolanda was the primary ‘keeper of the flame.’ As custodian of their legacy, she kept the flame’s embers burning brightly by continuing to champion the cause of human rights that her parents advocated. She set to this mission with strength of character, conviction and grace.”

McKinzie added that as an actress and producer, Yolanda created her own professional identity. Even in these roles, she was always mindful of her role as the “daughter of the movement” and incorporated in her work the message of peace and nonviolence she inherited from her mother and father.

McKinzie noted that Yolanda’s Alpha Kappa Alpha roots run deep. Her late mother, Coretta Scott King, was an Honorary Member and her sister, the Rev. Bernice King, is a member. Because of this strong connection, the Sorority has a special bond to Yolanda.

Said McKinzie, “In this time of mourning, Alpha Kappa Alpha extends condolences to her sister, the Rev. Bernice King; her brothers, Martin Luther King, III and Dexter Scott King; and to her extended family of worldwide supporters and admirers.”