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 | Spelman College (BA) Columbia University (MA, MA) |
| Known for | Civil rights, teaching, public service |
| Spouse(s) |
Newton Farris Sr.
(m. 1960; died 2017) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
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| Family | Martin Luther King Jr. (brother) A.D. King (brother) James Albert King (paternal grandfather) Bernice King (niece) |
Willie Christine King Farris (born September 11, 1927 – died June 29, 2023) was an important American teacher and a champion for civil rights. She was the oldest sister of the famous leader, Martin Luther King Jr.. Christine King Farris taught at Spelman College for many years. She also wrote several books and gave speeches about her family, different cultures, and teaching.
Education and Career
Christine King Farris followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. She went to Spelman College in Atlanta. In 1948, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics.
She wanted to study more at the University of Georgia. However, at that time, Black students were not allowed to attend. So, Christine King Farris went to Columbia University in New York instead. She earned her first Master's degree in 1950. Later, in 1958, she earned a second master's degree in Special Education.
In 1950, King Farris started her first job as a teacher. She taught at W.H. Crogman Elementary School in Atlanta. This school mainly served Black students from families with lower incomes.
She returned to Spelman College in 1958. There, she became the director of the Freshman Reading Program. For 48 years, she was a respected professor in Education. She also directed the Learning Resources Center. She retired in 2014.
Christine King Farris was also very active outside of teaching. For many years, she was 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 was also involved in many groups, like the International Reading Association. She worked with church and community groups too. These included the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
King Farris also wrote books. She published a children's book called My Brother Martin. She also wrote her own life story, an autobiography titled Through It All: Reflections on My Life, My Family, and My Faith.
Family Life
Christine King Farris was the first child and only daughter of Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. She was the older sister of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and A. D. King. The three siblings grew up together in their grandfather's home.
On August 19, 1960, she married Isaac Newton Farris Sr. They had two children: Isaac Newton Farris Jr. and Angela Christine Farris Watkins. Isaac Newton Farris Sr. passed away on December 30, 2017.
Later Years and Death
Christine King Farris continued to be an important figure in her community. She shared her memories and wisdom with many people. She passed away in Atlanta on June 29, 2023, at the age of 95.
See also
In Spanish: Christine King Farris para niños
