Yolanda Renee King is college bound!
The 17-year-old daughter of Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King recently graduated from The Atlanta International School in Georgia and is headed to Columbia University this fall.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You’ve been preparing for this moment since kindergarten, and now the day has finally arrived,” Arndrea wrote on Instagram.
Alongside her message, Yolanda’s mom shared a series of photos on Instagram that documented her daughter’s journey from kindergarten through senior year. The pictures showed Yolanda standing in front of her school over the years, including one taken during her first day of kindergarten and another from her final year as a graduating senior.
She continued, “I have so much hope for the future knowing each of you will leave your mark in your own unique way and help lead this nation forward. I’ve always believed this next generation will be the best generation.”
Martin Luther King III also took to Instagram to send his congratulations to his only child.
“WE HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE!!!” he wrote. “Congratulations, Class of 2026! And because she is unapologetically, beautifully Yolanda… she ended the day and closed the door on this phase in true unique and symbolic fashion. One chapter closed. A whole beautiful future waiting.”
King III’s sister, Bernice King, shared that their late parents, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, would be proud of Yolanda’s accomplishments.
“Congratulations to my niece @yolandareneeking, my sister’s namesake, on her graduation from The Atlanta International School,” Bernice wrote. “Whew, time really flies. Next up, Columbia University in New York. I’m sure my parents are smiling and dancing in heaven.”
Over the years, Yolanda Renee King has carried on her family’s legacy by building her own voice through activism, writing, and public speaking. She has appeared at national events, advocated for social justice causes, and spoken about issues impacting young people.
