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John F. Kennedy Typed Draft of a Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., sent to Civil Rights Activist Asa Philip Randolph....
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Description
"Dr. King has Labored at Best to advance the Principles of Equal Justice under Law for all Americans and Equal access to all the Opportunities of our Society"
John F. Kennedy Typed Draft of a Tribute to Martin Luther King,
Jr., sent to Civil Rights Activist Asa Philip Randolph. One
page, on light blue White House telegram stationary, 8 x 10 inches.
Washington, [D.C.], January 27, 1961.[Together With:] Typed Draft with Holographic Emendations by Kennedy Signed ("Kennedy"). One page, 8 x 10 inches. Washington [D.C.], no date [but circa January 27, 1961].
The President sends a Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute to Civil Rights Activist Asa Philip Randolph.
According to the President's secretary Evelyn Lincoln, "A copy of a telegram to Mr. A. Philip Randolph was handed to President John F. Kennedy on January 27, 1961 at his desk in the Oval Office. He struck out the second paragraph and dictated changes in the third. The typed corrections were then presented to him. He made changes and then added in his own handwriting, which you now have in your possession. Please note his signature at the end of line 2." Corrections on the first draft look to be in Evelyn Lincoln's hand.
The second, and final, draft reads, in full:
"Please convey my best wishes to those meeting to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King. By his non violent and symbolic actions, Dr. King is challenging us to carry out in practice the truths which we preach: that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain inalienable rights. His conviction and courage--in the tradition of Ghandi [sic] and Thoreau--have stirred the conscience of the nation, and brought us closer to the time when Americans of every color and belief will have equal access to all the opportunities of our society."
The President adds in his own hand:
"I hope you will convey my very warm regards to Dr. King. Dr. King has labored at best to advance the principles of equal justice under law for all Americans and equal access to all opportunities of our society. Cordially."
Randolph was the head of the March on Washington in 1963 where Martin Luther King delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. He was active in the fight for civil rights until his death in 1979.
Condition: Light age and a few minor stains, including paperclip stain, else fine.
Auction Info
2023 July 8 Historical Platinum Signature® Auction #6275 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2023
8th
Saturday
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