American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

A group of 8 items, comprising:

News release. 8 August 1957. Montgomery, Alabama. Statement concerning the Civil Rights Bill as passed unanimously in a session of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other positions adopted by the conference. 3pp typed, 8 1/2 x 14 in. (toning, pencil notation in margin). Reference to "grave disappointment over the Senate version of the Civil Rights Bill," "seek[ing] the understanding and cooperation of white southerners," a condemnation of "unchristian and undemocratic" actions of the legislature of the State of Alabama, and a reaffirmation of confidence in the leadership of SCLS leader Dr. Martin Luther King.

"Statement of Southern Negro Leaders." Petition seeking signatures in opposition to legislation being considered that would revive state sedition laws. New Orleans, Louisiana. Ca June 1959. 1p typed, 8 1/2 x 14 in., (loss along top left edge line, tear near top right, toning, wear). The petition reads, in part: "The passage of these new laws would impair our rights, already limited, and would remove from us the protection promised by the Supreme Court. We ask our colleagues with the church, and we ask the press, civic groups, labor unions and farm groups to recognize these bills for what they are and to work with us for their defeat."

"Institute on Nonviolence to Segregation - Atlanta, Georgia - July 22 through 24, 1959 / Report from Discussion Group 'C.'" Discussion leaders Richard B. Gregg and Ralph D. Abernathy. 2pp typed, 8 1/2 x 11 in. Accompanied by "Names and addresses of persons attending" which identifies 53 attendees of the discussions at Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia. 2pp typed, 8 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. (creasing, toning). Attendees include Reverend and Mrs. Ralph D. Abernathy and Reverend and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. The name "Mrs. Maude L. Ballou," Dr. King's secretary, has been added to the list by hand in blue ink.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference press release. "Dr. King Leaves Montgomery For Atlanta." Atlanta, Georgia. 1 December 1959. 2pp typed, 8 1/2 x 11 in. (light toning and soil). December 1, 1959. Press release announcing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, in order to be closer to the SCLC headquarters and assume a role as co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

"Southern Christian Leadership Conference / Treasurer's Report / Fiscal Year: September 1, 1960 - August 31, 1961." 2pp typed, 8 1/2 x 11 in. (toning, light soil). Submitted by Ralph D. Abernathy, Treasurer. Among other items, the report indicates expenditures for "Scholarship Aid," the "Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee," "Voter-Registration Project," "Freedom Ride," and the "Legal Defense & Aid to Libel Suit Victims."

"Civil Rights and Politics / An Address by the Honorable Barbara Jordan / Texas State Senator." Address given to Tenth Anniversary Convention of the SCLC. Atlanta, Georgia. 15 August 1967. 4pp, 8 1/2 x 11 in. (light toning). Speech discusses the "Negro politician" and steps that need to be made in order to build a coalition and make meaningful political change.

[With:] "The SCLC Story in Words and Pictures." Atlanta: The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, 1964. 64pp, 8 1/2 x 10 3/4 in. (abrasions and wear to cover, one black and white photograph of a SCLC officer has been cut out of page). Includes a transcription of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, along with contents such as "The History of SCLC" by L.D. Reddick, "The Meaning of Birmingham" by Wyatt Tee Walker, excepts from "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" and additional segments on voter registration, the Detroit March, and the March on Washington. Features more than 100 black and white photographs of the year's events and of key SCLC figures.