The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation

Despite the tragedies the King family experienced, they were proud of their children’s achievements. Their children and grandchildren continued their legacy for future generations. Although Alberta is known as the mother of Martin Luther King Jr. and remained in the background supporting her family, her legacy extends beyond the roles of the mother and wife. She remained a gifted instructor, a talented musician, and a community organizer. A leader of the Baptist church in Atlanta, she was an activist, founder, and president of the Women’s Council of Ebenezer Baptist as well as a member of other women’s organizations. She continued to use her education, family teachings, and her personal pain to empower others, carrying her personal burden with courage. One day in 1974, a group of young men entered the church where Alberta was playing the organ during service. One injured Alberta and others by firing a gun. Alberta died in the hospital. Her life was honored by her family and the community in Atlanta.

Louise lived a long life, witnessing crucial historical events. Although her name remains obscured, Tubbs argues her mark in Black revolutionary history is “indelible.” As a grassroots activist, she fought to control her “narrative” and challenge notions of gender and race, seeing her forced institutionalization as a punishment for her will to live free.