The musings of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. are expected to fetch up to $30 million -- and are so numerous they're filling a floor of galleries at Sotheby's New York base.Among them is a hand-written draft of the civil rights pioneer's most inspirational appeal against segregation -- the "I Have a Dream" speech.
"This collection is without question the most important American archive of the 20th century in private hands," said Sotheby's Vice Chairman David Redden.
"Martin Luther King Jr. remains an heroic figure of inestimable importance, not only to Americans but to people around the world.
"[This collection] must be saved in entirety for succeeding generations."
The 10,000 manuscripts, papers and books being sold by King's estate go on public view June 21. The sale will be held June 30.
King's estate has ordered that the collection be sold as a whole -- there will be no individual lots.
Redden said he hopes it goes to a public body such as the Smithsonian Institution or the Library of Congress.
Auction Details at Sothebys.com
Refresh yourself. Read 'I Have a Dream' again...
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Comments (2)
Wow. The King heirs didn't... (Below threshold)1. Posted by langtry | June 9, 2006 11:04 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Wow. The King heirs didn't take very long to get the money-making started. These papers were likely on some lawyer's desk ready to go the moment Coretta passed.
As it stands, they should be donating the "I Have a Dream" draft to The Smithsonian or the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati. I'm sure the Institution will pay a hefty honararium for the piece, which is likely one of the greatest treasures of the 20th century. The Underground Railroad Museum has been struggling financially, and such a donation would likely ensure the Museum's future.
1. Posted by langtry | June 9, 2006 11:04 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on June 9, 2006 11:04
2. Posted by Joe | June 9, 2006 4:12 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ahhh, such cynicism. Its the American Capitalist way! Why SHOULDN'T they make their money while they can? Let some other great capitalist buy the papers and donate them. And why isn't Jesse stepping up? MLK was his mentor wasn't he? Plus ole Jes' has got the dollars fleeced from his own flock to do the deed. Help his struggling cousins acheive their own dream........
2. Posted by Joe | June 9, 2006 4:12 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on June 9, 2006 16:12