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Sell or Auction Your Martin Luther King Signed Ebony Magazine for up to Nearly $80,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions

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We recently sold a Martin Luther King Jr. signed copy of Ebony from 1965 for $78,750. Please see details below:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed “Ebony” Magazine Covering the Famous Selma-Montgomery March in 1965

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed “Ebony” magazine from May 1965 with coverage on the Selma-Montgomery march, one of the most significant events of the Civil Rights movement. Chicago: Johnson Publishing Company, 1965. King signs the cover in blue ballpoint, “To my Friend / Claude Wyatt / With Warm Personal Regards / Martin Luther King Jr.” The recipient, Rev. Claude Wyatt, marched with King from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and served in the SCLC leadership in Chicago. Magazine features dozens of photos of the last of three marches in Selma, under the headline “50,000 March on Montgomery / Martin Luther King leads Negroes, whites in most heroic civil rights protest in history”. When the first Selma-Montgomery march resulted in black Americans beaten unconscious, America and the world reacted with horror, and joined Dr. King in late March 1965 to peacefully march again. Five months later the 1965 Voting Rights was signed into law by President Johnson. Magazine measures 10″ x 13.25″. Cover split along spine fold, and partially detached from magazine. Some fading, light soiling and wear. Overall in very good condition with bold writing by King. Sold for $78,750.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Here are some additional Martin Luther King Jr. autographs that we sold:

Martin Luther King Signed Book

Martin Luther King autograph in his book, “Stride Toward Freedom” where King writes: “The strong man is the man who can stand up for his rights and not hit back. Martin Luther King, Jr. (signed)” Stated first edition book contains “H-H” on the copyright page, confirming true first printing. Original dustjacket shows price of $2.95 to inner front flap; “8471A” and “8472A” appear to lower front and rear inner flaps respectively. Narration to front inner flap of dustjacket begins “They strode to freedom…” In fine condition with dustjacket. Only one small flaw being a taped upper right corner on the first page. The best ever Martin Luther King autograph in his books. Sold for $27,870

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Martin Luther King Signed First Printing of “Stride Toward Freedom” Without Inscription — With University Archives COA

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed first edition, first printing of “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story”. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958 with “H-H” on copyright page designating true first printing. King signs the front free endpaper with no inscription, “Best Wishes / Martin L. King Jr.” in fine blue felt-tip. Housed in original dust jacket showing $2.95 price, book measures 5.75″ x 8.25″ and runs 230pp. Minor paper loss to jacket and dampstaining on rear. Book has light shelf wear and mild toning to front free endpaper, and very minor staining to rear board, overall in very good plus condition. With University Archives COA. Sold for $25,200.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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University Archives COA. Click image to enlarge.

Martin Luther King Signed Speech Accepting the NAACP 1957 Spingarn Medal for the Montgomery Bus Boycott — ”…it is ultimately more honorable to walk in dignity than ride in humiliation…”

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed acceptance speech for his leadership in the historic Montgomery bus boycott. King boldly signs the first page of the speech, Best Wishes / To Ruth / M.L. King Jr.” on 28 June 1957, the day he accepted the Spingarn Medal, an annual award bestowed by the NAACP for outstanding achievement by an African American. Its recipients include Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks, the woman who ignited the boycott that would result in the 1956 Supreme Court decision declaring bus segregation unconstitutional. King’s 14 page speech is an inspiration to all those who grow impatient with the speed of justice and question the best route to get there. It reads in part,

”…This is an honor that I will cherish so long as the chords of memory shall lengthen…In accepting this award I would like to feel that you are really honoring the 50,000 Negro citizens of Montgomery, Alabama, who more than a year ago came to see that it is ultimately more honorable to walk in dignity than ride in humiliation…They are really what Jesus called the salt of the earth. Their quiet dignity and determined courage will be a source of inspiration to generations yet unborn…One day America will realize that the NAACP has proved to be one of its best friends, for by fighting so persistently for the rights of Negroes, purely within the framework of legal democracy, it has saved the Negro from turning to some foreign ideology for the solution of his problem. The NAACP has given hope and courage to a disinherited people who dared only to dream of freedom…If I were standing at the beginning of time, and the Almightly [sic] gave me a panoramic view of the whole of history, and then proceeded to ask me which age I would prefer to live in, strangely enough I would by pass the great glory of Greek culture…I would bypass the days of the Hebrew Exodus…I would bypass the days when the Roman Empire stood at the zenith of its power with all of its intricate and astounding military machinery; I would bypass the days of the Renaissance…I would even bypass the French and American Revolutions; and finally I would turn to the Almighty and say, ‘If you will allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the 20th Century, I will be happy.’..” Speech runs 14 pages on 14 separate sheets. ”For Release Upon Delivery” appears at top. Very light wear and creasing, and staple to upper left. Overall near fine condition. Sold for $18,750.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Martin Luther King Autograph on His Record Album of “The Great March on Washington” — With PSA/DNA COA

Martin Luther King, autograph on his record of the speeches recorded at the “March on Washington” on 28 August 1963. Album cover is inscribed by King, “Best wishes / Martin Luther King” in black felt tip. Album is Motown Records’ 1963 release, “The Great March on Washington”, featuring Liz Lands’ civil rights movement anthem, “We Shall Overcome” as well as speeches delivered by King and other civil rights leaders. Toning and edge wear to cover, else near fine. With certificate of authenticity from PSA/DNA certifying the authenticity of this Martin Luther King autograph.  Sold for $17,490.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
Martin Luther King Signed Record Album of “The Great March on Washington”. Click to enlarge.
PSA/DNA COA. Click to enlarge.

Martin Luther King Signed First Edition of ”Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” — Scarce Title Signed by King

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed first edition of ”Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”, scarce as signed. New York: Harper & Row, 1967. Complete in original dust jacket, King signs the front free endpaper in blue ballpoint, ”To Miss Virginia Kracke / In appreciation for your great support / Martin Luther King Jr.” Published in 1967, this would be King’s last book before his assassination, with topics ranging from the 1967 riots to the Vietnam War, and calling ultimately for human rights, hope and reconciliation. Book measures 6” x 8.5”, bound in black and yellow boards with gilt lettering. Housed in dust jacket with price of $4.95. Small stain on rear jacket, otherwise both the book and jacket are in near fine condition. Sold for $16,106.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed Copy of His Nobel Peace Prize Program — The First We Have Seen With No Auction Records of Any Previously and Possibly the Only One Extant

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed program for the 10 December 1964 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, signed by King during the reception held in his honor at the American Embassy in Oslo, Norway. King, at 35 the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, signs ”Martin Luther King” on the front cover of the program. Elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, an organization to provide new leadership for the burgeoning civil rights movement, King based his ideals for this organization on Christian principles and nonviolent methods of Mahatma Gandhi. As the symbolic leader of the movement to end racial segregation and discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means, he was singled out by the Norwegian Nobel Committee to receive the Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement. The card style program, in Norwegian, listing music to be performed, including a selection from Gershwin’s ”Porgy and Bess,” and the names of speakers, including King, measures approximately 5.5” x 7.5”. Light foxing, else near fine. A moving tribute to American hero, Martin Luther King. Sold for $14,032.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed First Edition of ”Strength To Love” With Long Inscription, ”Whose genuine humanitarian concern and unswerving devotion to the principles of justice and freedom…”

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed first edition of ”Strength to Love”, with one of the longest and personal inscriptions by Dr. King that we have seen. New York: Harper & Row, 1963. King writes to fellow Atlanta Civil Rights activist Gerry Reed, a white dentist (King’s dentist, in fact), who spearheaded efforts to employ African Americans through his work with the SCLC. Inscription reads in full, ”To my Friend Gerry Reed / Whose genuine humanitarian concern and unswerving devotion to the principles of justice and freedom are inspiring indeed / Martin”. Signed on the front free endpaper in blue ballpoint. Book measures 5.875” x 8.5”. Light shelf wear, and discoloration to endpapers. Overall very good condition. With original dust jacket showing $3.50 price; some chipping and discoloration, also in very good condition. Sold for $13,750.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Auction your Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email an image and description of your Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine to [email protected].

Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed Copy of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize Program Where King Was Awarded the Prize — Possibly the Only One Extant

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed program for the 10 December 1964 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, signed by King during the reception held in his honor at the American Embassy in Oslo, Norway. King, at 35 the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, signs ”Martin Luther King” on the front cover of the program. Elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, an organization to provide new leadership for the burgeoning civil rights movement, King based his ideals for this organization on Christian principles and nonviolent methods of Mahatma Gandhi. As the symbolic leader of the movement to end racial segregation and discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means, he was singled out by the Norwegian Nobel Committee to receive the Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement. The card style program, in Norwegian, lists music to be performed, including a selection from Gershwin’s ”Porgy and Bess”, and the names of speakers, including King. Measures 5.5” x 7.5”. Light foxing, else near fine. Lot is accompanied by letters and press clippings from Paul Moody, who attended the ceremony and acquired the autograph from King. A moving tribute to the American hero, Martin Luther King. Sold for $13,125.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Incredible Martin Luther King Handwritten Pages For ”Stride Toward Freedom” — Detailing the Momentous Rosa Parks Incident — ”…they agreed that the Negroes should boycott the buses…”

Truly rare Martin Luther King, Jr. autograph draft pages from Chapter 3 of his important civil rights book, ”Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story”. Dr. King’s first book was published in 1958 when he was only 29 years old. The book provides a moving account of successful nonviolent resistance in the 1955-56 Montgomery, Alabama bus strike amid the burgeoning civil rights movement. Here, Dr. King puts pen to paper to powerfully document in his own words what is single-handedly one of the most important moments in civil rights history, when Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama. Handwritten manuscript reads in full, ”(I meant the paragraph in place of first sentence of sentence paragraph 12A) / Only E.D. Nixon the signer of Mrs. Parks land – and one or two other persons were aware of the arrest when it occurred early Thursday evening. Late in the evening the word got around to a few influential women of the community, mostly members of the Women’s Political Council. After a series of telephone calls back and forth they agreed that the Negroes should boycott the buses. They immediately suggested the idea to Nixon and he readily convened in his usual courageous manner he agreed to spearhead the idea. Just before calling me Nixon had decided the idea with Rev. Ralph…” 2pp. draft measures 8.5” x 11” in black ink, with some edits in red ink. Very minor toning, else near fine condition. From the collection of Maude Ballou, Martin Luther King Jr.’s close friend and personal secretary. Sold for $12,500.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Outstanding Martin Luther King, Jr. Handwritten Signed Quote: ”Love is the greatest force in the universe…He who loves is a participant in the being of God” — With University Archives COA

Scarce and special handwritten quote signed by Martin Luther King, Jr., on the importance and power of love. In bold ballpoint, King pens the following, ”Love is the greatest force in the universe. It is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos. He who loves is a participant in the being of God. / Best Wishes / Martin Luther King Jr.”. Card that accompanies the text is dated 13 May 1957, which precedes by a few months King’s famous sermon, ”Loving Your Enemies”, delivered in November 1957. The notion of love without condition, extended to one’s enemies as well as allies, is a theme that emanates throughout King’s writing, and what he believed to be the cornerstone of nonviolent activism. Although King’s sermons and writings often come back to the theme of love, this handwritten signed quote reflecting on it is extraordinarily rare. Card measures 5” x 3” with slight paperclip impression at top edge. Affixed by two small pieces of tape at upper left and lower right corners to a piece of cardboard measuring 9” x 7”, which also bears a stamp from the Montgomery Improvement Association reading ”Pray for Peace”. Near fine condition. With University Archives COA. Sold for $10,000.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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University Archives COA. Click image to enlarge.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed 25.75″ x 23″ Display of the Selma March — Also Signed by the Other Men in the Photo: Ralph Abernathy, James Forman and John Lewis, Plus Photographer Steve Schapiro

Incredible photo display of the Selma to Montgomery march, a cornerstone of the Civil Rights movement that precipitated passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Underneath a 19.5″ x 11″ photo of the men, whose arms are interlocked in solidarity, their signatures appear, with Martin Luther King Jr.’s autograph prominent at center. King signs “With Best Wishes, Martin Luther King”. All but one of the other Civil Rights leaders in the photo also sign: Ralph Abernathy, James Forman and John Lewis, plus photographer Steve Schapiro, with some adding inspiring notes, such as Lewis who adds, “Keep the faith” above his signature.

This photo was captured by Schapiro in March 1965 when King and the other marchers triumphantly crossed the county line into Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, to protest Jim Crow laws that prevented African Americans from voting. In one county that was over 80% African American, not one black Alabamian was registered to vote, while the white population constituted over 100% of the county rolls. In concert with the Selma marchers, President Johnson spoke before a joint session of Congress on 15 March to introduce the Voting Rights Act. It was signed into law on 6 August 1965, after which voting drive efforts to enfranchise the black population began.

Entire display with signatures measures 25.75″ x 23″. Size of signatures vary, with the visible portion of King’s measuring 3.75″ x 1.5″. Some creasing to King’s signature, which remains bold. Very good to near fine. Accompanied by a University Archives COA for King’s signature and PSA/DNA COAs for Abernathy and Lewis’ signatures. Sold for $8,925.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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University Archives COA. Click image to enlarge.
PSA/ DNA COA. Click image to enlarge.
PSA/ DNA COA. Click image to enlarge.

Martin Luther King Signed First Edition of “Stride Toward Freedom” Without Inscription

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed first edition of “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story”. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958. King signs the front free endpaper with no inscription, “Best Wishes / Martin L. King Jr.” in black felt-tip. Book measures 5.75″ x 8.375″ and runs 230pp. Moderate shelf wear, and “Autographia” and the number 60 written in pencil above his signature in another hand. Overall in very good plus condition. Sold for $8,400.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed ”Strength To Love” Autobiography — First Edition in Dust Jacket

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed first edition of ”Strength to Love”, Dr. King’s autobiography and a collection of his most inspirational sermons and speeches. New York: Harper & Row, 1963. Inscribed ”To Major Earnest D. Muse / With Best Wishes / Martin Luther King” on the front free endpaper. Above the inscription is noted ”Los Angeles Calif. / 2-17-64”, ostensibly the date and place that King signed the book. At this time King had just completed the March on Washington and would be awarded the Nobel Peace Price later that year, before organizing the Selma march in 1965. Book is housed in its original dust jacket with $3.50 price intact. Measures 5.75” x 8.5” and runs 146pp. In publisher’s black cloth boards, book is in very good to near fine condition. Dust jacket is in very good condition. Sold for $5,035.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
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Martin Luther King Signed Lincoln Memorial Program From August 1963, After the March on Washington — Scarce

Martin Luther King signed Lincoln Memorial program. The great civil rights leader signs “Martin Luther King” in ink along the left edge of the program’s cover. According to a notarized LOA from the autograph’s recipient, Dr. King signed the program the day after the 28 August 1963 March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom. It was here he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. 8pp. fold-out program measures 6″ x 8.5″. Scattered light staining and subtle wear to edges, else near fine. A touching and scarce piece honoring the two most influential civil rights heroes of the 19th and 20th centuries. Sold for $4,915.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Signed Book “Measure of a Man”

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed book, “The Measure of a Man.” Hardcover with dustjacket boldly signed to front free endpaper in ink, “Martin Luther King Jr.” Volume contains two addresses, “What is Man?,” and “The Dimensions of a Complete Life,” delivered at the first National Conference on Christian Education of the United Church of Christ, held at Purdue University in 1958. Book and jacket in very good condition. Signature, excellent. Sold for $4,037.

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Martin Luther King Signed “Stride Toward Freedom” — Inscribed to UNC President & United Nations Representative Frank Graham, “…unswerving devotion to the ideals of freedom and justice for all…”

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed copy of “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story”. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958 first edition. King inscribes the front free endpaper to Dr. Frank Graham, United Nations Representative and former President of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with an especially complimentary inscription, “To: Dr. Frank Graham / In appreciation for your genuine good-will, your great humanitarian concern, and your unswerving devotion to the ideals of freedom and justice for all. With warm regards / Martin L. King Jr.” Book measures 5.75″ x 8.25″ and runs 230pp. Light shelf wear and toning to front free endpaper, otherwise near fine condition. Accompanied by newspaper clipping showing stamp of Dr. Frank P. Graham at the United Nations. Sold for $3,750.

Martin Luther King Signed “Stride Toward Freedom”. Click to enlarge.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed First Edition of ”Stride Toward Freedom” — Uninscribed

Rare signed first edition of Martin Luther King’s ”Stride Toward Freedom”, his moving first-hand account of the seminal events in Montgomery, Alabama that ignited the Civil Rights movement. King signs ”Martin L. King, Jr.” in large writing to verso of front free endpaper. Published by Harper & Brothers: New York: 1959 and clothed in blue boards with navy blue spine, book runs 230pp. and measures 5.75” x 8.5”. Previous owner’s name and sale amount discreetly written in pencil to front free endpaper. Very light toning to interior pages. Overall near fine. Sold for $3,125.

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Martin Luther King Signed First Edition of ”Stride Toward Freedom”

Scarce signed copy of ”Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story” by Martin Luther King, Jr., Harper & Brothers: New York: 1958. Boldly signed ”Martin L. King, Jr.” on front free endpaper. This was Dr. King’s first book, published when he was only 29 years old, three years after he led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott. The book documents significant events of the burgeoning Civil Rights movement and is illustrated with a dozen black and white photographs, including one of Dr. King wearing a prison booking number around his neck, and an iconic photograph of Rosa Parks being fingerprinted. Runs 230pp. Bound in blue cloth boards and black cloth spine with silver lettering. Measures 5.75” x 8.25”. Toning to endpapers, cocking to spine, scratching to front pastedown and wear to exterior corners and edges, with two small stains to front board, else near fine. Overall, a well-preserved piece of history signed in very good condition. Sold for $3,049.

Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine
Click image to enlarge.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed ”Why We Can’t Wait” Dutch Edition — Powerful and Eloquent Signed Book by King

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed book ”Why We Can’t Wait,” written by King as a call to action for ”Freedom Now.” First Dutch edition. Signed by King on the front free endpaper in blue ink, ”Best Wishes / Martin Luther King, Jr.” Runs 178pp., book is bound in brown cloth and spine is lettered in green. Includes original dustjacket that has a small tear, toning and soiling throughout, very good. Minor rubbing to book, else near fine. An important landmark book in the Civil Rights movement, made all the more moving with King’s signature. Sold for $2,790.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed ”Why We Can’t Wait” Dutch Edition. Click to enlarge.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed Biography, ”What Manner of Man” — Without Inscription, King Signs ”Best Wishes / Martin Luther King Jr.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. signed biography, titled ”What Manner of Man”, an ”eloquent” and ”intimate” account of King by Lerone Bennett Jr., who attended Morehouse College with the Civil Rights leader. King signs the half-title page in blue ballpoint, ”Best Wishes / Martin Luther King Jr.” New York: Pocket Books, Inc., 1965. Paperback copy runs 156pp., measuring 5.5” x 8.5”. Some creasing to covers, and toning to interior pages. King’s signature remains bold. Very good condition. Sold for $1,925.

Click image to enlarge.

FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Martin Luther King signed Ebony magazine that are for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

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