Exceptional Martin Luther King Letter on the N-Word 

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968). Typed Letter Signed, "Martin L King Jr", 1p, on Southern Christian Leadership Conference stationery, 7.5" x 8.5", Atlanta, Georgia, January 18, 1966. Flattened mailing folds. Several tiny holes from staples and/or pins. Discoloration from previous matting. Slight fading to signature. Trimmed at edges with minor loss to letterhead, not affecting the legibility of text.

As president of the SCLC, King writes to William A. Bennett, Jr., contrasting the meaning of the term "dark skinned American" as used in his own writings and speeches, with the meaning of "nigger" as it has been used historically: "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."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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