Christine King Farris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christine King Farris
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King in 2011
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| Born |
Willie Christine King
September 11, 1927 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | June 29, 2023 (aged 95) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
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| Education |
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| Known for | Civil rights, teaching, public service |
| Spouse(s) |
Newton Farris Sr.
(m. 1960; died 2017) |
| Children | 2 |
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Willie Christine King Farris (September 11, 1927 – June 29, 2023) was an important American teacher and civil rights activist. She was the older sister of the famous Martin Luther King Jr. and Alfred Daniel Williams King. Christine King Farris spent many years teaching at Spelman College. She also wrote several books and spoke publicly about her family, multicultural education, and teaching.
Contents
A Life of Learning and Teaching
Early Education and College Years
Christine King Farris followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. She attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1948, she earned her bachelor's degree in economics. Christine wanted to continue her studies at the University of Georgia. However, at that time, some universities had rules that prevented Black students from attending.
Because of these rules, Christine chose to study elsewhere. She went to Columbia University in New York City. In 1950, she earned her first master's degree in social foundations of education. Later, in 1958, she received a second master's degree in special education.
A Dedicated Educator at Spelman
Christine King Farris began her teaching career in 1950. Her first job was at W.H. Crogman Elementary School in Atlanta. This school mainly served children from Black families. In 1958, she returned to her own college, Spelman. She became the director of the Freshman Reading Program.
Over the years, she became a respected professor of education. She also directed the Learning Resources Center at Spelman. Christine King Farris dedicated 56 years of her life to Spelman College. She retired from her long and successful career in 2014.
Champion for Civil Rights and Literacy
Beyond her work at Spelman, Christine King Farris was very active in public service. She served as the vice chair and treasurer of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change. This center works to continue the legacy of her brother, Martin Luther King Jr. She also participated in the International Reading Association.
Christine was involved in many church and community groups. These included the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Farris shared her stories and wisdom through her writing. She published a children's book called My Brother Martin. In 2009, she released her autobiography, Through It All: Reflections on My Life, My Family, and My Faith.
Her Family and Legacy
Growing Up in the King Family
Christine King Farris was born in Atlanta on September 11, 1927. She was the first child and only daughter of Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. Her younger brothers were Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and A. D. King. The three siblings spent their early years living with their grandfather, Alfred Daniel Williams. He passed away on March 21, 1931.
On August 19, 1960, Christine married Isaac Newton Farris Sr. They had two children together. Their children are Isaac Newton Farris Jr. and Angela Christine Farris Watkins.
Facing Life's Challenges
Christine King Farris faced many difficult times in her life. She experienced the profound sadness of losing her brothers and mother. Her brother, Martin Luther King Jr., was assassinated in 1968. Her brother A. D. died in an accident in 1969. Later, in 1974, her mother was also killed.
These losses were very painful for Christine. She found it hard to revisit places that reminded her of these sad events. For example, she did not return to Memphis, Tennessee, after traveling there following her brother's death. She later attended the funerals of her sister-in-law, Coretta Scott King, in 2006. She also attended the funeral of her niece, Yolanda King, in 2007. Her husband, Isaac Newton Farris Sr., passed away on December 30, 2017, at the age of 83.
Remembering Christine King Farris
Christine King Farris passed away in Atlanta on June 29, 2023. She was 95 years old. Her family attorney, Antavius Weems, announced her death. At the time she passed, Christine King Farris was the last living sibling of the great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. She left behind a legacy of teaching, activism, and family strength.
See also
In Spanish: Christine King Farris para niños
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