TLS signed “Martin L. King , Jr.,” one page, 7.5 x 8.75, Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead, January 18, 1966. Letter to William A. Bennett, Jr., in full: "I appreciated the meaningful points raised in your letter to me concerning racial appellations. The words ‘dark skinned American’ constitute a vivid depiction of both citizenship and race just as you point out. I agree wholeheartedly with you that the import of that term is in salient contrast with the connotation attached to the word ‘nigger.’ The word ‘nigger’ carries with it a meaning deeply rooted in the debilitating racist caste ordering of our society’s slavery epoch and segregation era. The term, ‘dark skinned American,’ often finds its way into my speeches and writings and, encouragingly, I notice it, too, in the usage of so many others. The use of that and similar appellations reflect both our great heritage and our devotion to a brand of Americanism of the highest order.” In very good to fine condition, with multiple staple holes, trimmed edges, and overall toning and light fading to the signature from prior display. An exceptional letter from Dr. King on the evolution of race labeling, using the hate word ‘nigger’ and the phrase ‘dark skinned American’ to juxtapose the historical progress of the African American.
On January 7, 1966, Martin Luther King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) announced plans for the Chicago Freedom Movement, a campaign that marked the expansion of their civil rights activities from the South to northern cities. King believed that ‘the moral force of SCLC’s nonviolent movement philosophy was needed to help eradicate a vicious system which seeks to further colonize thousands of Negroes within a slum environment.’ King and his family moved to one such Chicago slum at the end of January so that he could be closer to the movement.
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