Preston King (academic) facts for kids

Preston Theodore King (born March 3, 1936) is an American professor and African-American civil rights activist. He taught at many universities around the world. These included schools in the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia, and the United States.

In 1961, King moved to the United Kingdom. He chose to live there because he was standing up against unfair treatment. This unfairness came from a local draft board in his hometown of Albany, Georgia. This happened during the time of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation. He did not return to the United States until the year 2000. That year, President Bill Clinton gave him a special pardon.

Preston King's Early Life and Education

Preston King was born in Albany, Georgia. He was the youngest of seven sons. His parents were Margaret (Slater) and Clennon Washington King Sr.. Both of his parents graduated from Tuskegee Institute. Preston's older brothers included Chevene Bowers King, Clennon Washington King Jr., and Slater King.

After going to local schools, King studied at the London School of Economics. This was in the late 1950s. He also studied at the University of Maryland in 1961.

Facing Unfair Rules

King faced a difficult situation with his local draft board. When they found out he was African American, they stopped using "Mr." when addressing him. Instead, they called him "Preston." King refused to answer because he felt this was disrespectful and unfair.

He was accused of avoiding the draft. To avoid being put in prison, King decided to leave the United States. He went to live in the United Kingdom. He believed the accusations against him were wrong.

Teaching Career and Return Home

While living outside the United States, Preston King taught at several universities. He taught in England at Keele University and the University of Sheffield. He also taught in Africa at the University of Ghana, the University of East Africa, and the University of Nairobi. At the University of Nairobi, he was the head of his department.

In 1976, King moved to Australia. He became the head of his school at the University of New South Wales. In 1986, he returned to the UK. He worked at Lancaster University, where he again led his department.

A Presidential Pardon

For many years, Preston King could not return to the United States. He missed important family events, like the funerals of his father and two brothers. After a long effort, he received a pardon from President Bill Clinton in 2000. This pardon allowed him to finally come back home.

After returning to the United States, King continued to teach. He taught at Emory University and Morehouse College in Atlanta. He also held many visiting teaching positions at other schools.

Preston King's Family Life

Preston King married Murreil Hazel Stern in 1963. Murreil was a British Jewish activist who worked for social justice. Her sister is the doctor Miriam Stoppard.

Preston and Murreil have a daughter named Oona King. Oona was born in 1967. She became a politician for the Labour party in the UK. She was also a Member of Parliament. Today, she is known as Oona King, Baroness King of Bow.