Preston King (academic) facts for kids

Preston Theodore King (born March 3, 1936) is an American professor and a champion for African-American civil rights. He taught at many universities in the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia, and the United States.

In 1961, King moved to the United Kingdom. He did this to avoid unfair treatment from a local draft board in his hometown of Albany, Georgia. This happened during the time of Jim Crow laws, which were unfair rules against Black people. He did not return to the United States until 2000. That year, President Bill Clinton gave him a special pardon.

Early Life and Education

Preston King was born in Albany, Georgia. He was the youngest of seven sons. His parents, Margaret and Clennon Washington King Sr., both went to Tuskegee Institute. Preston had older brothers, including Chevene Bowers King and Slater King.

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

Standing Up for Rights

When Preston King was at the University of Maryland, a local draft board learned he was African American. They started calling him "Preston" instead of "Mr." King refused to answer them because he felt this was disrespectful and unfair.

He was then accused of avoiding the draft, which meant not joining the military when called. King believed these charges were wrong. To avoid being sent to prison, he moved to the United Kingdom. He lived there for many years, teaching at universities.

Teaching Around the World

While living outside the United States, Preston King taught at several universities. He worked at Keele University in England and the University of Ghana in Africa. He also taught at the University of Sheffield in England.

Later, he taught at the University of East Africa and the University of Nairobi. At the University of Nairobi, he became the head of his department. In 1976, King moved to Australia. There, he led his school at the University of New South Wales. In 1986, he returned to the UK and again chaired his department at Lancaster University.

Return to the United States

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 of his brothers. After a long effort, President Bill Clinton finally gave him a pardon in 2000. This allowed him to 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 guest teaching positions at other schools.

Family Life

Preston King married Murreil Hazel Stern in 1963. She was a British activist who worked for social justice. Their daughter, Oona King, was born in 1967. Oona became a politician for the Labour party in the UK. She was a Member of Parliament and is known as Baroness King of Bow.