In 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Knig, Jr. Wrote This Letter from the St. Augustine, Florida City Jail

On June 12, 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sent a letter to Rabbi Isreal S. Dresner at Temple Sharey Shalom, South Springfield Avenue and Shunpike Road,n Sprnigfield, N.J., stating:
Dear Sy:
I am dictating this letter from the St. Augustine City Jail. It is apparent to you what has been going on here for the past several days. This is the most lawless community in which we have worked. Wyatt Walker informed me that he had brought you up to date on the shootings, the beatings and the burning down of our house here. I undersand that last night was the first instance of any semblance of law and order being maintained by the local and state police.
I am writing to you, Say, because you have been so close to our movement and Wyatt metnioend that you woudl be attending our Rabbinical assembly next week. I am very much inerested in having a task force from the Reform movement to come to St. Augustine and witness with us for self-respect and human dignity. It would do much to buttress our efforts here and across the nation.
As you know, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the nation and is on the eve of its Quadricentennial Celebration. Ironically enough, it is 99% segregated and its main industry is tourism. The Quadricentennial Commission is now seeking a Federal grant for the celebration. We are determined that the celebration should not take place with the city segregated and not a single penny of Federal monies should be used until the city is opened to all alike.
The local Negro community has been voicing its grievances for nearly two years without any respite whatever. The attached memo indicates the specific requests that have been made
Perhaps if this letter could be read to your brethren next eek, it might be considered a “call” to St. Augustine. I would imagine that some 30 or so rabbis would make a tremendous impact on this commmunity and the nation. We would hope that some would submit to arrest. At the outside, five days would be required. Please get word to Wyatt or Andy Young as soon as possible.
Faithfully yours,

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Km
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