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Lot #247
Martin Luther King, Jr

A reluctant conclusion: "The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is a civil rights organization"

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Estimate: $2500+
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Description

A reluctant conclusion: "The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is a civil rights organization"

TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead, December 5, 1962. Letter to Dr. Robert R. Citron, in part: "I read your letter with great interest. However, after discussing your letter with several of my associates, we reluctantly came to the conclusion that since the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is a civil rights organization, it would not be wise for us to get involved in 'Operation Skysweep.' While as responsible people and citizens of our community and the world we in the conference have an interest in other areas beside race relations, we do not have the staff to become a part of as many activities as we would like to do. Rather than spread our energies on so many tasks, we feel that we should concentrate on matters pertaining directly to civil rights." In fine condition, with rusty paperclip impressions to the left edge, a light crease to the lower right edge, and two small pieces of acid free tape along the back of the top edge.

In the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Dr. Citron had thought up a crude system of missile defense involving the launch of vast quantities of crushed rock and stone into orbit. He had gotten attention from at least one newspaper (see the Minneapolis Star Tribune, November 27, 1962), and apparently hoped to get Dr. King’s attention as well. While Dr. King here maintains his focus on the Civil Rights Movement, later in the 1960s he did expand his activism to include world affairs, protesting against the Vietnam War.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #539 - Ended November 07, 2018





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