The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
Amsterdam News Article by MLK About European TourDr. King recalls an address he gave at the Berlin Arts Festival, where he witnessed an enthusiastic crowd. The crowd's interest confirmed his belief "that the Negro is now in a position to lead the world." He also mentions the Christians of East Berlin, who, though Communists, maintain their faith in God. |
Article Written by the Spring Mobilization Committee To End the War in VietnamThe following article written by the Spring Mobilization Committee illustrates the growing international support for ending the Vietnam War. It specifically highlights the Union of Vietnamese Students in France, an organization seeking to cooperate with American students in order to promote peace in Vietnam. |
Biographical Sketches of Leaders of the March on Washington for Jobs and FreedomThese are biographical sketches of various leaders who were involved in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedoms. These distinguished individuals were involved in organizations that focused on equality and nonviolence. |
Comments on John F. Kennedy by MLK at the Berlin FestivalDr. King gave this speech at the Berlin Freedom Festival in Berlin, West Germany, in memorial to the recently assassinated President John F. Kennedy. Dr. King reflects on the personality, achievements and enormous influence Kennedy had on the world. He highlights Kennedy's commitment to international human rights, which included recognition of Negro rights, and his leadership in concluding the atmospheric nuclear test ban treaty. |
Current MagazineThis Current Magazine issue on racism in the U.S. features an article "Is Direct Action Necessary" by Dr. King, as well as pieces by James Meredith, James Reston, and others. |
Founders Day AddressDr. King addresses Spelman College at their Founders Day celebration. He discusses issues such as the Promised Land and the function of education. |
Friends Journal: A Quaker WeeklyDr. King's article, "Nonviolence and Racial Justice" is included in this edition of the Friends Journal. Dr. King's entry discusses the various implications of race relations in America and the beneficial elements of nonviolence. |
If I were a NegroRabbi I. Usher Kirshblum writes Dr. King to share an article he wrote in the "Jewish Center of Kew Garden Hills Bulletin." The article references the expelling of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell and criticizes the African American response towards his defense. The author states, "If I were a Negro I would not waste my time in defending Powell's wrong acts but would rather speak of the many good acts he performed." Rabbi Kirshblum goes on to praise the views of men like Dr. King and Rev. Roy Wilkins, while rejecting those of Stokely Carmichael. |
Invitation to MLK from London Methodist Youth OrganizationGreater London Youth and Community Service invites Dr. King to participate in a London to Canterbury Pilgrimage by leading a study on human rights and the church and preaching a sermon. |
Letter from Dora McDonald to F.A. GuilfordDora McDonald expresses Dr. King's delight in knowing that F.A. Guilford of Oxford University Press wants to reprint the "Letter from Birmingham Jail." However, she informs Guilford that, due to the letter already being published, it is impossible for a reprint. McDonald refers Guilford to contact Joan Daves, Dr. King's literary agent, for more information. |
Letter from Joan Daves Regarding International TravelJoan Daves informs Dr. King that she telephoned Mr. Smeaton regarding lodging arrangements in London and Berlin. |
Letter From Joan Daves to Dr. King Regarding Publication Date of the German Edition of "Why We Can't Wait"In this letter, Joan Daves informs Dr. King about the desire of the German publishers to have a publication date. Joan Daves also inquires if Dr. King has free time for Mayor Brandt. |
Letter from Joan Daves to Hoki IshiharaJoan Daves encloses a copy of a manuscript of the proposed speech to be given in Berlin by Dr. King. Daves also indicates the fifty-dollar fee for the one-time publication of Dr. King's comments about the late President Kennedy. |
Letter From Joan Daves to MLKJoan Daves writes Dr. King to inform him of her meeting, in Germany, with publishers before the Frankfurt Bookfair. |
Letter from Joan Daves to MLKJoan Daves, Dr. King's literary agent, writes about plans for a reception and press conference in Bonn, Germany. Ms. Daves mentions that Dr. King may be asked to deliver an address. |
Letter from Joan Daves to MLKJoan Daves sends Dr. King an issue of Cuadernos, which printed a Spanish version of his Berlin address about President Kennedy. A copy of "Why We Can't Wait" is sold to Figaro Litteraire. |
Letter from Joan Daves to MLK about a PublicationJoan Daves informs Dr. King about the German publishers and their inquiry about a special introduction for the German edition of "Why We Can't Wait." Joan Daves also asked for Dr. King's opinion about whether the press conference should be in Berlin or elsewhere. |
Letter from MLK to D. Martin Fischer about American PeopleDr. King thanks Prof. Fischer for "submitting [his] thoughts and words of warning for the American People." Dr. King agrees with the professor's assertion that we should all try to "avoid the excesses and horrors of war." |
Letter from MLK to Dr. Martin Fischer at the Theological Seminary of BerlinDr. King thanks Dr. Fischer and the faculty at the Theological Seminary of Berlin for awarding him with an honorary degree. He expresses that the honor gives him courage to strive on and wishes them multiple blessings from God. |
Letter from MLK to Mrs. Marian S. DockhornDr. King responds to Mrs. Marian S. Deckhorn's letter concerning the invitation extended to him and Coretta Scott King for the Bucks Count World Peace Fair. Dr. King notifies Mrs. Deckhorn that they will be unable to attend on the suggested date due to his international travel to Berlin. |
Letter from MLK to Theodore W. KheelDr. King graciously declines attorney and noted labor mediator Theodore Kheel's invitation to sit on the Dais at the International Longshoremen's 50th Anniversary Dinner due to a previous commitment in Berlin, Germany. |
Letter from Mr. Matthias Mirschel to MLKIn this letter Mr. Matthias Mirschel of Kirchliche Hochschule Berlin expresses commitment to Dr. King's stance against American intervention in Vietnam as well as integration for colored citizens. "We ask you not to cease with your endeavors...many people in the USA and all over the world hear your voice and support your campaign," writes Mr. Mirschel. |
Letter from Prof. D. Martin Fischer to MLKProfessor Fischer writes a word to the American people urging them to be merciful in their acts and deeds, especially as pertains to the Vietnam war. |
Letter from Robert Starbuck to the SCLCRobert Starbuck encloses a contribution to the SCLC on behalf of supporters from Berlin, Germany. Starbuck has affiliations with many individuals tied to the American Civil Rights Movement and believes that it is imperative to contribute to the cause. |
Letter from Sarvajanik Kalyan Samiti to MLKThe Indian organization, Sarvajanik Kalyan Samiti, expresses admiration of Dr. King's heroic struggle for civil rights in the US, along with his application of Mahatma Gandhi's methods. A bronze bust of Gandhi is offered as a gift of appreciation and a request made for placement of the statue in a children's park. |
Letter from Zeth Abrahamsson to MLKZeth Abrahamsson again requests a meeting with Dr. King during his travel to Sweden, though Dr. King had previously communicated to him that his heavy schedule prevented a meeting. Mr. Abrahamsson is responsible for the Baptist Publishing House that printed Swedish and European copies of Dr. King's books, "Strive Towards Freedom" and "Strength to Love." |
Letter to MLK from Mrs. Mary Jane ChattamsMrs. Chattams, a student, has contacted Dr. King for further clarity regarding a sermon he reportedly delivered in a Communist Church. Sharing Dr. King’s comments will be informative and beneficial for future class discussions. |
MLK Appearance ListThis itinerary highlights Dr. King's appearances over a six month period. |
MLK ItineraryDr. King's secretary is writing Joan Daves to notify her of his speaking engagements for the 1964-1965 season. |
MLK Statement before Platform Committee of the RNCDr. King lists the steps towards equality that have taken place all over the nation and he addresses the passage of the Civil Rights Bill. Dr. King explains what still needs to be done in order to make America truly the land of the free. |