Everyone knows the historic significance of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights movement for racial justice in the United States in the 1960s.

Lessor known are his personal relationships with Hollywood notables that were part of the fundraising efforts for his work.

This extraordinary original letter from Dr Martin Luther King Jr to Sammy Davis Jr in 1961 is an intimate and detailed look into such efforts.

Writing to a dear friend, the letter shows the warmth and appreciation Dr. King had for legendary Rat Pack singer Sammy Davis Jr.

It was sent after Sammy Davis Jr. recruited some of Hollywood's biggest stars for an event supporting the Civil Rights Movement.

The historic significance of this letter from one of the greatest men in U.S. history to a brave legend in entertainment cannot be overstated. We now know the dangerous & courageous path Dr. King Jr. was on, but at the time the Civil Rights movement had not yet reached its apex. This is an extraordinary piece which would make a centerpiece of a collection in a museum, institute, or private collection.

MLK Jr. sent the thank-you note on March 28, 1961 -- after the legendary performer organized a Carnegie Hall show featuring his Rat Pack pals -- Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra -- along with Jan Murray and himself.

The benefit event was considered a tribute to MLK and raised more than $22k for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, not as highly known as it is today.

The letter commends Sammy and other African-American artists of the day -- like Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and Mahalia Jackson -- for "helping to move the struggle forward." King specifically praises Davis for being a role model and fighting for "the great cause of Negro freedom."

MLK signed it and included a handwritten P.S. asking Sammy for Sinatra's address ... so he could thank him too.

The letter has been recently authenticated by PSA/DNA.

It is live on eBay for 10 days, starting at 5pm PT on May 30th to June 9, 2019. Learn more and bid here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/202687590745