Never Before Offered for Sale - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Remarkably Important and Prophetic Letter Speaks to America as the Nation Faces Tests of Justice and Equality
“We Must Learn to Live Together as Brothers or We Will All Die as Fools”
Over 280 Lots Will Hit the Auction Block May 20th Including a Letter by Theodore Roosevelt Referencing Tariffs, Political Bosses, Taxes, Farmers and the Cost of Eggs
New York, New York – (April 22, 2026) – Lion Heart Autographs (NY), one of the world’s most widely-recognized and respected auctioneers of historical autographs and manuscripts announces the auction of an incredibly rare and timely document penned by civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The letter will be offered live on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote he will ‘follow Christ to death” to achieve racial equality for “the health of Democracy,” echoing his enduring commitment to fighting discrimination through nonviolent protest, public speeches and organized action – principles that have been tested in cities across the nation. His leadership helped drive progress in civil rights and voting rights and affirmed that these rights must apply to everyone.
In this 1962 letter, written to Samuel Brent Oliver III, a North Carolina high school student, Dr. King outlines goals that remain as relevant today as they were nearly 65 years ago, as the United States continues to grapple with applying justice fairly and equally.
His deeply held commitment to nonviolent protest, public advocacy, and organized demonstrations fight discrimination advanced rights essential to the “the growth of individuals both white and Negro, and the future of the world.” The letter also foreshadows the danger King faced throughout his life, culminating in his assassination in 1968.
Dr. King further wrote “the world is too small now for us to think we can ignore persons who are a little different from ourselves. I feel this to be part of God’s plan for His world, that the brethren might dwell together in unity.”
In 1961, King met with President John F. Kennedy to request a second Emancipation Proclamation to promote racial integration, which he defines in the letter as “providing the same opportunities and facilities for citizens regardless of race,” a condition he deemed essential for a healthy democracy. King also quotes Psalm 133: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" – a theme he echoed in his November 5, 1962 speech at the University of Michigan, where he proclaimed, "We must learn to live together as brothers or we will die together as fools." Just ten days later he penned this letter.
Less than two weeks afterward, on November 27, 1962, King spoke at the Booker T. Washington High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, He concluded with an early version of what would become his iconic “I Have a Dream” message, later delivered during the historic March on Washington on August 28, 1963. King was named TIME magazine’s 1963 “Man of the Year” and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Today, America faces tests ongoing tests of its founding promises – moments when the ideals set forth in its founding documents collide with the realities of division and fear. The moral clarity expressed in this extraordinary letter reflects King’s courage and enduring relevance. It stands as both a tribute to his legacy and a call to confront division with empathy and unwavering commitment to truth. A full transcript of the letter is available to media upon request.
This remarkable and revealing letter has remained in the possession of the recipient’s family for decades and has never been offered for sale prior to this auction. Also included is the original envelope bearing notes from the recipient.
The auction also includes over 280 lots of historically significant documents, autographs and manuscripts. Additional highlights include a letter by Theodore Roosevelt on His and Our Times: Tariffs, Political Bosses, Taxes, Farmers and the Cost of Eggs; a Betty Ford letter addressing mental health, substance abuse and healthcare; a Hillary Clinton note announcing her run for the United States Senate; a David Ben-Gurion document on Israel’s duty to maintain the bond between us Jews of Diaspora; a detailed letter by President Ronald Reagan on tax cuts and much more. A complete listing of the auction is available at www.lionheartautographs.com
Items are currently available for bidding at Lion Heart’s auction on Invaluable.com and LiveAuctioneers.com
Hi-resolution images are available upon request by emailing caroline@m2mpr.com
ABOUT LION HEART AUTOGRAPHS
An internationally recognized dealer of autographs and manuscripts specializing in art history, literature, music and science. Founded in 1978, Lion Heart Autographs has earned an unmatched global reputation for acquiring and placing the most rare, interesting and unique autographs and manuscripts, while scrupulously authenticating and describing each piece’s historical significance. Clients range from Harvard, Yale and the U.S. Library of Congress to private collectors, investors and corporations around the globe. Lion Heart Autographs is based in New York and was founded by its president, David Lowenherz. For more information, please visit www.lionheartautographs.com
PRESS CONTACT
Caroline Galloway
