From Samuel D. Proctor
Author: Proctor, Samuel D. (Dewitt)
Date: February 11, 1956
Location: Richmond, Va.
Genre: Letter
Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Threats/attacks against
Details
Proctor, who received graduate degrees from Crozer Seminary and Boston University, became president of Virginia Union University in 1955. Proctor had considered appointing King to replace him as dean of the university’s school of religion but apparently changed his mind after talking with King’s friend and advisor, Morehouse president Benjamin Mays.
Rev. M. L. King, Jr.
193 Boulevard, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia
Dear Rev. King:
I telephoned your home shortly after the news report. I was sorry to hear what happened, but I am glad that there is a person of your calibre in town who cannot be intimidated and whose character is so unassailable that they have to attack your porch. Your mother expressed some anxiety about this when I talked with her.
After my conversation with Dr. Mays a few weeks ago in Atlanta, I think that I had better fix my hopes somewhere else for a Dean of our Seminary. I’ll discuss this with you when I see you in June.1
Warmest personal regards to you and the family.
Sincerely yours,
[signed]
Samuel D. Proctor/m
Samuel D. Proctor,
President
SDP:mem
1. Proctor was Men’s Day speaker at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in July (see King to Whitaker, 30 April 1956).
Source: MLKP-MBU, Martin Luther King, Jr., Papers, 1954-1968, Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, Boston University, Boston, Mass.