MLKs Papers to be Auctioned

AKA2D '91 · #1 06-16-2006, 01:28 AM

Many of the papers, notes, and annotations of Dr. King's speeches were recently found in Coretta's basement. Now, the King Siblings have decided to auction the papers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060608...n_060608164125

What are your thoughts?

Should the heirs keep the papers for themselves?

CrimsonTide4 · #2 06-16-2006, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

Many of the papers, notes, and annotations of Dr. King's speeches were recently found in Coretta's basement. Now, the King Siblings have decided to auction the papers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060608...n_060608164125

What are your thoughts?

Should the heirs keep the papers for themselves?

Yes they should keep those papers for themselves. Some things just should not be auctioned.

I WISH I had a tangible piece of my father like that. I would not let it go.

I could see if they made provisions that after the last King child dies, the papers go to XYZ or to the MLK Center, etc. but I would not dare auction jack.

This saddens me. If people want to see the papers, make photocopies but don't give out the originals.

Professor · #3 06-16-2006, 01:46 PM

I would sell them.

Shauntelle · #4 06-17-2006, 03:30 AM

Wow this is a good topic of debate!!

I know this has even been a BIG item of debate for the King children in recent monthes.

If Dr. King was my father, Im not sure if Id be willing to part with a lot of more than 10,000 items...his private papers — more than 7000 handwritten items! I think when Dr King was preserving these documents for his family he was not intending for it to be used for financial gain but simply as "keepsakes" for the family.

On the other hand, with the King Center in need millions of dollars--its not a bad idea to support this cause.

I dont know..I need to do more research on this topic. There are SO many elements to this debate.

The Original Ape · #5 06-17-2006, 08:46 AM

I would keep them or donate them to a museum or to the university from which he graduated. Their value has become larger than his family.

Lady of Pearl · #6 06-17-2006, 06:05 PM

I think they should donate them, I think that is what their mother and father would have wished so that his works can live on in our society. They should not be sold to the highest bidder for the most money -to do with however he or she would choose and for what purpose?

ZetaStorm · #7 06-19-2006, 12:49 AM

I heard this discussion on the Tom Joyner Morning Show last week. I think they said that Coretta wanted the papers to go to a museum or libray not an individual. From my understanding Dr. King did not leave any money behind to his family. He gave a lot to charity, etc. I would hate to see Dr. King's items go to the wrong people. The family really needs to look into boosting their PR efforts for the King Center. I think if anything his papers should be housed there. (Or like someone mentioned Morehouse). I was amazed at how many people who live in Atlanta had never been to the King Center. I'm not from Atlanta but the King Center was one of the first places I visited when I visited Atlanta. I know that there is some type of campaign going on to raise funds for a memorial in DC I believe. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The info/commercial was so quick I didn't get a chance to copy the web address. I think that it's a shame that his writings are up for sale. They are too valuable to just sale to someone.

TonyB06 · #8 06-19-2006, 09:30 AM

Franklin, Young lead bid to buy King papers

By MARIA SAPORTA, MAE GENTRY
The Atlanta Journal-Consitution
Published on: 06/18/06

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and former Mayor Andrew Young are working quietly with Herman Russell and other influential residents to raise money and find a home in Atlanta for Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal papers, which will be auctioned June 30 at Sotheby's in New York.

"I've been talking to a lot of people," said Young, who was a close aide to King during the civil rights movement. "There are a number of people trying to find ways to get a group together. But, if you can do it, you can best do it if it's kept quiet."

Franklin did not want to comment on the effort to raise money to bid on the collection, which is being sold by King's children.

"Mum is the word," she said. But she added: "It's accurate to say that the King papers in Atlanta and the capital city of the South would be a slam dunk — if we could figure it out."

Emory University President Jim Wagner said the school would donate money for the bid and offer to house the documents, which date from 1946 until 1968, the year the civil rights leader was assassinated.

read the rest here:
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/met.../0681king.html

AKA2D '91 · #9 06-23-2006, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZetaStorm

I heard this discussion on the Tom Joyner Morning Show last week. I think they said that Coretta wanted the papers to go to a museum or libray not an individual. From my understanding Dr. King did not leave any money behind to his family. He gave a lot to charity, etc. I would hate to see Dr. King's items go to the wrong people. The family really needs to look into boosting their PR efforts for the King Center. I think if anything his papers should be housed there. (Or like someone mentioned Morehouse). I was amazed at how many people who live in Atlanta had never been to the King Center. I'm not from Atlanta but the King Center was one of the first places I visited when I visited Atlanta. I know that there is some type of campaign going on to raise funds for a memorial in DC I believe. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The info/commercial was so quick I didn't get a chance to copy the web address. I think that it's a shame that his writings are up for sale. They are too valuable to just sale to someone.

I heard that commentary too. As was mentioned, the King CHILDREN are GROWN men and women now. Their father passed away YEARS ago. No, he wasn't "rich" financially, but THEY CAN GET A JOB! I'm not trying to be harsh, but DO something. They can make 25K (at least) with one speaking engagement. It seems to me, that they were only into the Keep the Dream Alive for the sake of their mother.

As my mother says, "let your conscience be your guide."

I'm selfish, so I know I'd keep the papers for my offspring. The King "children" cannot even do that.

CrimsonTide4 · #10 06-24-2006, 03:48 PM

Morehouse Gets the King Papers

I have mixed emotions about this.

tunatartare · #11 06-24-2006, 04:22 PM

Personally, I would have kept the papers as a family heirloom and as a memento of my father. However, seeing as the King children decided to sell them, I don't think they should keep the money. I think that they should donate them to an organization like the King Center or the NAACP.

Shauntelle · #12 06-24-2006, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Original Ape

I would keep them or donate them to a museum or to the university from which he graduated. Their value has become larger than his family.

You were on it!! Documents will go to Morehouse.

mccoyred · #13 06-24-2006, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrimsonTide4

Morehouse Gets the King Papers

I have mixed emotions about this.

I am pleased that Morehouse acquired the collection but they should not have had to pay for them. I think that it was very selfish of the King family to put the collection out there like that. It is also kind of funny that after all previous attempts, the first attempt after Coretta's death is the one that finally fell into place.

nonchalant · #14 06-25-2006, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccoyred

I am pleased that Morehouse acquired the collection but they should not have had to pay for them. I think that it was very selfish of the King family to put the collection out there like that. It is also kind of funny that after all previous attempts, the first attempt after Coretta's death is the one that finally fell into place.

You can tell the King children were spoiled and selfish due to all the disagreements on things after the death of Coretta. Every King for themselves. I personally wouldn't have kept them. What use would they do me? I would have donated them to Alpha Phi Alpha.

TonyB06 · #15 06-26-2006, 07:09 AM

The Morehouse acquisition is probably the best resolution to the matter -- most people can now feel reasonably assured that the papers will be sufficiently preserved and presented.

I haven't agreed with many of the King family's publicly known business decisions --the cingular commericals still make me cringe-- but these have been their decisions to make. Bro. King was their father/husband and they've personally had to live all these years without him, yet hearing other's thoughts on what he would say, and what they should be doing. That cannot be easy.