To Carl Braden
Author: King, Martin Luther, Jr.
Date: February 9, 1962
Location: Atlanta, Ga.
Genre: Letter
Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Family
Details
King welcomes Braden home following his 1 February release from prison after serving a nine-month sentence for refusing to testify before HUAC in 1958. SCLC executive director Wyatt Tee Walker read King’s letter at a Southern Conference Educational Fund (SCEF) reception in Braden’s honor on 9 February.1 Braden’s wife, Anne, replied, expressing her appreciation “for the beautiful message that you sent to Carl.”2
Mr. Carl Braden
C/O Hotel Biltmore
New York, New York
Dear Carl:
I am forwarding this message by our mutual friend, Wyatt Tee Walker. You cannot imagine how good it is to say to you, “Welcome Home”.
The days you have spent away from your family and friends have not been spent in vain. They have become a part of the catalogue of sacrifices by which freedom is earned.
All of us are indebted to you. It is a debt that can never be repaid. Our dedication and determination has been fired by the example of your selflessness. Democracy has a better chance of being realized here in America because of you.
My continued good wishes,
[signed] Martin
Martin Luther King Jr., President
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
1. King had just begun his People to People tour in Mississippi and was unable to attend the event.
2. Braden to King, 19 February 1962. King’s letter was reprinted in the March 1962 SCEF newsletter The Southern Patriot.
Source: CAABP-WHi, Carl and Anne Braden Papers, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.