Alberta Williams King
- Born:
- September 13, 1904, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Died:
- June 30, 1974, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Musician, Choir Director
Early Life and Education
- Born Alberta Christine Williams to Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Jennie Celeste Parks Williams.
- Received formal musical training, excelling in piano and organ.
- Attended Spelman Seminary (later Spelman College) in Atlanta, focusing on education and music.
- Trained in classical music and choral conducting.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as the organist and choir director at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta for many years.
- Significantly contributed to the musical program at Ebenezer, enriching the worship experience.
- Married Martin Luther King Sr. in 1926.
- Mother of Martin Luther King Jr., Alfred Daniel Williams King I, and Christine King Farris.
- Actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, supporting her husband and son.
- Continued her musical contributions even amidst the challenges of the Civil Rights era.
Notable Works
- Directed and performed with the Ebenezer Baptist Church choir.
- Contributed to the musical arrangements and selections for church services.
- Played a pivotal role in the spiritual and emotional support network surrounding the King family.
Legacy and Impact
Alberta Williams King's legacy extends beyond her musical talent. She was a devoted mother, a supportive wife, and a steadfast figure during a tumultuous period in American history. Her contributions to the Ebenezer Baptist Church and her unwavering faith had a profound influence on her family and community. Though there are requests to write a 'frank weston benson biography of alberta' and include it in larger works, the existing material primarily focuses on her role within her family and church.
Death
- Shot and killed by Marcus Wayne Chenault Jr. while playing the organ at Ebenezer Baptist Church.