A remarkable artefact from the Civil Rights Movement is set to go under the hammer at Christie’s auction house in January 2027. A seven-page handwritten draft of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech has come to light, discovered in the desk of Edward T. Clayton, a former aide to the prominent civil rights leader.
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The manuscript, penned on yellow paper with numerous corrections made by King in blue ink, is notable for being the only known draft of the speech. It was located by Clayton’s widow, Xernona Clayton, who has authorised its auction. Christie’s anticipates that the document could fetch over £10 million, highlighting the significance of King’s words during a pivotal moment in American history.
The speech was famously delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington, which was a crucial event in the civil rights movement. This resonant address became a cornerstone of the movement and contributed to the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. The auction, therefore, presents not just a relic, but a powerful reminder of the struggle for equality and justice.
Proceeds from the sale will support the King Center, the organisation dedicated to preserving Dr. King’s legacy. Moreover, Xernona Clayton intends to direct additional funds to various charities of her choice. Xernona herself is highly regarded for her significant contributions to civil rights advocacy, including her efforts to desegregate hospitals in Atlanta during the 1960s and her role as one of the first Black local talk show hosts in the 1970s.
Dr. Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter and the CEO of the King Center, expressed her gratitude regarding the auction in a statement. She noted that the collaboration with Xernona Clayton ensures that the legacy of her father, as well as that of her late mother, Coretta Scott King, is upheld. This year marks what would have been Coretta’s centenary, making the initiative particularly poignant.
Peter Klarnet, a manuscript specialist at Christie’s, described the draft as “the most important manuscript” he has ever handled. He expressed disbelief at the honour of presenting such a significant item, remarking on the personal and historical weight it carries.
Lerone A. Martin, the director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford, also reacted to the discovery with astonishment. He articulated how the draft offers a unique perspective into King’s thought processes, allowing modern audiences to engage with his mindset during the formulation of such an influential speech.
Before the auction, the manuscript will be displayed publicly at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta from November 16 to November 22. Following this showcase, it is expected to move to Chicago for a later exhibition, ensuring that many will have the opportunity to appreciate this historical document.
The news of this significant discovery coincides with a new chapter in King’s lineage, as his granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, recently participated in her first election. Sharing her experience on social media, she stressed the importance of voting, considering it a continuation of the struggles faced by her grandparents and parents. This generational connection to the fight for civil rights underscores the ongoing relevance of Dr. King’s message today.
As anticipation builds for the auction at Christie’s, the manuscript not only stands as a unique artefact of the past but also as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the continuing fight for equality and justice in contemporary society.
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