MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Beloved Memphis activist Georgia King, known as ‘Mother Georgia King,’ has passed away.
Family confirms to ABC24 the 82-year-old, who has been an icon for social justice and giving back to the community, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.
Recently, she had suffered health issues and her daughter and family had been working to raise money to work on their own home to make it better for her.
For decades, Mother King has fought for justice and civil rights, serving as one of the leaders for the I Am A Man movement and the Poor People’s Campaign in the 1960s. In recent years, she has worked to help those in need, running community food drives and providing help for those without homes.
Named a Memphis and Shelby County Woman of Achievement in 1994, King worked tirelessly to lift up those around her. She founded the Memphis Bus Riders Union in 2012, and in 2018 she was honored with the MLK 50 Award for Leadership and Activism.
“I plant seeds,” she said in the Woman of Achievement post. “And find my courage and direction from the Lord.”
Johnnie Mosley with Citizens For Better Service, sent the following statement: "Citizens For Better Service would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of community activist Mother Georgia King. Mother King was a star to all of us who do the hard work in standing up for justice. Mother King was very supportive of Citizens For Better Service. As Founding Chairman of Citizens For Better Service, I will always treasure her wisdom. I know that she will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her well."
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Memphis Local Chapter released a statement saying, "The City of Memphis has lost a legend. Mother King was a powerful activist in the fight for social justice and humanitarian efforts. She was strong and persistent over the last six decades in her quest to bring about change, not only in our community but communities abroad. She will truly be missed and although she may be gone, her legacy and work will continue."
Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN 09) released the following statement: “Mother King made Memphis and our nation a more humane place though her tireless advocacy on behalf of homeless people and public transit riders. Mother King was universally loved and was a constant presence at community events. Her work and the hope she inspired will long be remembered. I extend my condolences to her family, her many friends, and her colleagues and supporters.”