"In Memory - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: 'The American Dream'" record album

Object number2001.072.0001

Date1968

ClassificationsAudio

Author Martin Luther King Jr.

ObjectRecord album

Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection

MediumPlastic, Cardboard, Vinyl, Paper

Dimensions12 5/16 × 12 1/4 × 1/8 in. (31.3 × 31.1 × 0.3 cm)

Terms

Collections

Description"In Memory - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: 'The American Dream'" LP record album of Dr. King's speech titled "The American Dream" delivered at Syracuse University on July 15, 1965. All text and graphics are printed in black against a white ground; the album cover features a photograph of Dr. King flanked on either side by two asymmetrical Christian crosses. Along the lower edge of the front of the album is the following text: "His Immortal Address Delivered Syracuse University". The price of $4.95 is noted in the top right corner. Reverse of the album has two vertical black lines that divide the album cover into thirds. In the center section is the following text: "The American Dream By Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This brilliant address was delivered by Dr. King at Syracuse University. The name of the distinguished Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be long remembered as a leader of the battle against tradition in our nation; as one dedicated to maintain our democratic ideals, one who has helped shape American history. His address, 'The American Dream,' will be significant as long as the fight for justice and first-class citizenship goes on. 'If we are to gain justice and freedom in America, it will not be a victory for eighteen million Negroes. It will be a Victory for Democracy! It will be The American Dream. God is on the side of justice.'" A small graphic of the American flag on a flagpole is below the text. In the lower right corner is the address and phone number of the producer, Southeastern Recording Co., of America; copyright date of 1968, and an indication of the record's playing speed: "Speed 33 1/3". The record album is covered in shrink-wrapped clear plastic. This image is not available online larger than a thumbnail to protect the copyright of its creator(s). For a more detailed examination of this item, please schedule an appointment in the Museum’s Reading Room.

Curatorial Commentary

Dr. King delivered this speech at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, on Thursday, July 15, 1965.

Although $4.95 was not an uncommon price for an LP record in 1968, this was still a relatively expensive item at the time. Adjusted for inflation, that would be approximately $35 in 2018. - Stephen Fagin, Curator