This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2020
On August 28, 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. would address the nation from the Lincoln Memorial, questioning the United States' civil rights stance in an attempt for equality around the nation. Announcing his "Dream" to the nation, King would challenge the public to make his dream a reality, a struggle that goes on to this day. Offered here is a 6" x 9.5" envelope from the White House, dated May 15, 1966, signed by the ultimate dreamer, Martin Luther King Jr., in pencil, "Best Wishes, Martin Luther King". The envelope has been addressed to noted comedian of the time, Jackie "Moms" Mabley. Joining a vaudeville group, Mabley sang and joked her way from rural roadhouses in the south all the way to New York’s Broadway. She became known as “Moms,” both because of her matronly affection towards her younger colleagues, and for the frumpy house dress-wearing character she portrayed in her stand-up comedy routine. Mobley broke barriers not only as an African-American and female comedian, but also as one of the first openly gay entertainers when she came out as a lesbian before World War II. By the 1960’s she had appeared on stage at Carnegie Hall and was a sought-after guest for television shows such as the Smothers Brothers. As a respected entertainer and trail blazer in so many categories, Moms Mabley was invited to attend the White House Conference on Civil Rights in June of 1966. This event was held to continue the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement in the wake of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This is Moms’ envelope that contained her invitation to the event.The Reverend King was of course a participant in the two-day event, and it can be assumed that Mabley had MLK Jr. sign her envelope during the conference. The aged piece of paper shows some toning and light staining throughout and has been framed. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.