TLS, signed “Martin L. King, Jr.,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead, February 5, 1965. Letter to Tom B. Carvey, Jr., president of the California Democratic Council. In full, “This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of recent date inviting me to speak at the statewide convention of the California Democratic Council in Sacramento on March 19-21, 1965. First, let me say how deeply grateful I am to you for extending this invitation. Unfortunately, however, I had to make some very hard decisions in the last few week. One of the firm decisions I have made is that of spending much more time working directly with the civil rights struggle. This means that I can accept only a limited number of speaking engagements during the next twelve months. My calendar reveals that I have accepted the maximum for this period. Please know that I deeply regret my inability to serve you. It is my hope that my schedule will soon ease up so that I can accept more of the invitations that come across my desk.” Signed at the conclusion in blue ballpoint, “Martin L. King, Jr.” In very fine condition. King and the SCLC, in partial collaboration with SNCC, then attempted to organize a march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery, for March 25, 1965. The first attempt to march on March 7 was aborted due to mob and police violence against the demonstrators. This day has since become known as Bloody Sunday. Bloody Sunday was a major turning point in the effort to gain public support for the Civil Rights Movement, the clearest demonstration up to that time of the dramatic potential of King’s nonviolence strategy. King, however, was not present. After meeting with President Lyndon B. Johnson, he attempted to delay the march until March 8, but the march was carried out against his wishes and without his presence by local civil rights workers. Filmed footage of the police brutality against the protesters was broadcast extensively, and aroused national public outrage. The second attempt at the march on March 9 was ended when King stopped the procession at the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the outskirts of Selma, an action which he seemed to have negotiated with city leaders beforehand. This unexpected action aroused the surprise and anger of many within the local movement. The march finally went ahead fully on March 25th. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
