Penned in blue ink on yellow legal paper at Washington's Willard Hotel, the seven-page manuscript reflects the late civil rights leader's final revisions prior to delivering his historic address. Notably, the written text features the renowned closing refrain about being "free at last," but lacks the iconic phrase "I have a dream," which was delivered spontaneously. Preserved originally by Southern Christian Leadership Conference aide Edward T. Clayton, the artifact was later identified by his wife, Xernona Clayton. Christie's New York will exhibit the artifact at 20 Rockefeller Plaza for public viewing before the single-lot auction begins.
Key points
The auction proceeds are designated to support charitable organizations, including the Xe…: The auction proceeds are designated to support charitable organizations, including the Xernona Clayton Foundation and The King Center.
Edward T. Clayton, who directed public relations for the Southern Christian Leadership Co…: Edward T. Clayton, who directed public relations for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, preserved the papers before his wife identified them.
Christie's New York plans to offer the historic document as a single-lot sale on January…: Christie's New York plans to offer the historic document as a single-lot sale on January 22, 2027.
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A handwritten seven-page draft of Martin Luther King Jr’s iconic 1963 speech is going under the hammer at Christie’s New York in January 2027. Preserved for decades by his aide, Edward T. Clayton, the manuscript is the only known handwritten final draft and retains King’s edits and corrections. It is expected to fetch more than $10 million, with the proceeds benefiting several charities, including the Xernona Clayton Foundation and The King Center. The manuscript will be publicly displayed at Christie’s New York, at 20 Rockefeller Plaza, from Dr King’s birthday on 15 January to 21 January, before being offered in a single-lot sale on 22 January 2027.
The seven pages
At about 4 am on 28 August 1963, Martin Luther King Jr was still awake in his room at the Willard Hotel in Washington. He had been fine-tuning his speech to fit it into five minutes. By the time he finished, he had filled seven yellow legal pages with blue ink. Later that morning, his assistants would type them up for reporters. That afternoon, King would stand in front of…
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