To Julian Bond from Coretta Scott King, 27 May 1968, with Bond's draft response

MRS. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 234 Sunset Avenue N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30314

May 27, 1968

Mr. Julian Bond 162 Ehuralee Street, S. W. Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Julian:

Even before my husband's tragic death, I had been contemplating the creation of a library to house his papers and other materials connected with the present freedom movement. Since his death, my sense of urgency about this matter has grown tremendously.

With Dr. Benjamin Mays, I have just taken steps to see that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is immediately initiated. We have appointed a Project Director, Dr. Vincent Harding of Spelman College, and are securing other members of the Project staff. Enclosed is a preliminary sketch of the undertaking which will hopefully become the major center for the collection and study of material, on the Afro-American experience.

Would you be willing to serve as one of 15 people on the Advisory Council for the Library? Your presence would mean much to me and to the Project. Enclosed also, for your information, is a list of other potential Council members whom I am approaching.

The initial meeting of the Council will be Tuesday, July 9th here in Atlanta. If that date should prove utterly impossible for you, the day-long meeting could be held on the 8th or 10th. However, I hope that the 9th will be our meeting day. Further details on the exact meeting place will follow your response.

Although the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is represented on the Council, this is an independent project which, with your help, I shall seek to lead independently. I hope that you will agree to serve on the Council and look forward to hearing from you about the matter. Because of the crush

Page Two Mr. Julian Bond May 27, 1968

of mail at my home, please address your reply to the Project Director, Dr. Vincent Harding, Chairman, History Department, Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia 303014. It would help if an address and phone number is included where you could be reached from June 10 to July 10, 1968.

My best regards.

Sincerely, [signed] Coretta S. King (Mrs.) Martin Luther King, Jr.

CSK/bhh

Enclosures

Dr. Vincent Harding History Department Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Vincent:

Please let this letter serve as my humble acceptance of Mrs. King's invitation to serve on the Advisory Council for the Martin Luther King Jr. Library. I will be able to attend the July 9th meeting with no difficulty and look forward to meeting with you and the other board members.

The library sounds like an exciting prospect. I am glad to note it will be associated with the Center.

Incidentially, as I mentioned to Gerry McWhorter, I sent the telegrams for tor the Presidential candidates on my telephone. I haven't got the bill yet, but when I do, will be back in touch with you.

At any rate, please thank Mrs. King for extending the invitation.

Sincerely,