TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead, June 25, 1964. Letter to Miss Willie Mackey, in part: "This will acknowledge formally your letter of resignation from the staff of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which is accepted with much regret. However, we understand quite well your interest in accepting the new position with Educational Heritage and continuing your dedicated work with Mr. Walker. Your expression of support to the SCLC and to me personally are greatly appreciate. I take this opportunity to express to you my deep respect for you as a person and also my appreciation for the selfless and untiring service you have rendered to us during the past two and one-half years. You have labored without regard to hours or personal fatigue and your loyalty to the Freedom struggle has been an inspiration to your associates…I am confident that you will continue to be a vital force in helping us to solve America's chief moral dilemma." In fine condition, with a whited-out office notation above the masthead.
The recipient, Willie Pearl Mackey King, was the secretary of SCLC director Wyatt Tee Walker and played a critical role in communicating King's iconic 1963 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' to the public. King wrote his notes for the letter in the margins of a newspaper—the only paper available to him at the jail—and they were delivered to Walker's office. In turn, Walker gave them to Mackey so that she could begin compiling and editing the literary jigsaw puzzle. The final product became a guiding force behind the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism. A remarkable letter from Dr. King to a key staff member who made enormous contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
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