Description:

Martin Luther King letter on Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead to San Francisco minister and Freedom Award recipient Hamilton T. Boswell: "Such moral and financial support are of inestimable value for the continuance of our humble efforts. You have my prayers and best wishes for continued success in the significant work you are doing."

Fine Content Typed Letter Signed "Martin", 1 page, 8.5" x 11" on his Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead, Atlanta, July 19, 1963 to Dr. Hamilton T. Boswell, leader of the Jones Methodist Church in San Francisco, concerning an address there before a interracial and interfaith conference in that city. Expected mailing folds, else fine condition.

King's letter to Boswell reads in full: "By now I am sure that you have received the message which my secretary gave to the Rev. John Moore. When I talked with you by telephone I had high hopes of being able to accept your very gracious invitation to speak for the San Francisco Conference on Religion and Race. After checking my schedule, I soon discovered I had a 'People-to-People' tour of the State of Louisiana for the very week of your meeting. But for this I would be more than happy to serve you. Please know that I deeply regret my inability to come. I am sure you can understand the very difficult schedule under which I am laboring these days. We are always indebted to you for your constant support. Such moral and financial support are of inestimable value for the continuance of our humble efforts. You have my prayers and best wishes for continued success in the significant work you are doing."

Hamilton Boswell (1915-2007) was the most prominent black leader in the San Francisco area, twice awarded the Freedom Award by the NAACP. He was the first chairman of the San Francisco Conference on Religion and Race and the co-chair of the Church Labor Conference, the rallying force of the city's support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Boswell had helped to plan a "Conference on Church and Race" in his city to bring together Catholic, Jewish, and other religious leaders, and had asked King to address the group. King had organized similar conferences to demonstrate moral consciousness and to champion civil and human rights.

Accompanied by a copy of Boswell's original letter inviting Dr. King to speak, as well as a copy of the paper he read at the September 5, 1963 meeting, "The San Francisco Situation."

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