MLKs Papers to be Auctioned

[Professor]

I would sell them.

[Shauntelle]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Morehouse Gets the King Papers

I have mixed emotions about this.

[SummerChild]

I wonder how they raise money. Don't most centers have grants and such to cover costs?

One way to raise money might be to get a tighter grip on all of the MLK stuff that is out there on the internet and start a stringent licensing program of the stuff not already in the public domain. That would probably not feel right to them however (to restict use of MLK's writings, etc.).

SC

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.

[ZetaStorm]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

I wonder how they raise money. Don't most centers have grants and such to cover costs?

One way to raise money might be to get a tighter grip on all of the MLK stuff that is out there on the internet and start a stringent licensing program of the stuff not already in the public domain. That would probably not feel right to them however (to restict use of MLK's writings, etc.).

SC

I would think that it would be considered a non profit organization and that they would qualify for grants, etc. But I'm not sure what they're doing over there. It all just seems kind of unorganized.


I'm glad that Morehouse has the papers but I didn't know Morehouse would have to purchase them.

AKA2D '91 -You're right, King passed in 1968. I'm not certain that money will be the answers to their problems. If they don't make wise decisions they'll just blow through their money and end up right back at square one. I guess only time will tell though. Hopefully they will do the right thing with the money and continue their parent's legacy.

[Shauntelle]

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.