I was privileged and blessed to know Yoki at Smith, where she and I were Theatre majors. We acted in a production of "The House of Bernarda Alba" by the Spanish playwright, Federico Garcia Lorca. I played Bernarda and she Poncia. I will never, ever, forget the quiet and intense energy she brought to that role, the morally supreme and compassionate servant woman in a household dominated by a repressive, inhumane woman of a higher social class than she. At one point in the rehearsal process, I was having great difficulty playing that repressive, inhumane woman of a higher social class than the role Yoki was playing: the script required me to stare her down condescendingly - I couldn't bring myself to do it. I walked away, off the set. She came after me and said: "Kim - I know you're not Bernarda. I'm not Poncia. There are roles people need to play sometimes in order for other people to learn about themselves." She walked back onto the set. Her wisdom was what made it possible for me to continue. In her own life, Yoki played a role that made it possible for other people to learn about themselves. It was a God-given role, in her blood. May God bless her eternal soul.

Yolanda King was just one of the wonderful wave of African American students who brought new life to the college during the 60's.

I have known Yoki since our high school days here in Atlanta. She arrived at Henry W. Grady High School in the fall of 1967, a few months shy of her 12th birthday. She was remarkably poised for one so young, yet she was very much a "high school kid" who was learning the ropes as an eighth grader in a large high school setting. Her father's assassination just seven months later was an unspeakable tragedy, yet, Yoki stood fast. I was amazed at her coping then, and throughout her life as several other tragedies befell her and her family (including the murder of her paternal grandmother in church one Sunday). Though she was keenly aware of being the eldest child of Martin and Coretta King, and carried this legacy with grace and compassion, she was also always Yoki, my sisterfriend, a person with whom I could share my secrets, or spend hours on the phone late at night, or just be completely silly if that's what we chose to do. Yoki remained connected and loyal to a group of us from high school (known as the "Grady Girls")and treasured each one of us as we cherished her. Her unexpected passing is a source of great pain, but it is also an occasion for celebrating her life. I challenge each of my fellow alumni to honor Yoki's memory daily by being a blessing to others, as she was.

I never met Yolanda, but as a fellow Smithie I would like to send my condolences to her family and friends.

Yoki and I were in the same class - she at Smith and I was at Mount Holyoke. She was the first Smith woman that I met as a student my freshman year. I can remember how she would light up a room when she walked into it.Wise beyond her years, funny, so engaging, and fun to hang out with. This was at a time when the African American students at the Five Colleges pretty much knew one another by sight if not by name. Yoki will be missed by so very many - I'm glad I got to know her just a bit for a short time i 1972.

It is truly sad that such a bright light has been cut from our presence. Condolences are sent to the family from the Thompson family of San Jose California.

Yoki was my 'big sister' and mentor during my freshman year. She remained a friend although I often teased her stating that I received most of my updaes on her through the media. She was humble, never identifying herself as MLKing's daughter unless you asked her. I will always remember how she would pull down on the corner of her eyelid and state "SHAME". Yoki, sleep well! Terri

I didn't know her at Smith, although our time there coincided, and I knew MLKing's daughter was there at the time. I have followed her career with interest over the years, though. I send condolences to her family and friends; the world has lost a truly special person.

I did not have the honor of knowing Ms. King while at Smith, but I was lucky enough to have met her when she came to Indiana University Bloomington in the mid 1980's to speak. I was certainly inspired by her kindness and by the light which surrounded her when we spoke for a few moments after her moving speech. It was a transforming experience to have been in her presence. I wish to send my condolences to Ms. King's family and friends.