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| 247 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Acknowledgments T his book could not have been written without the encouragement, help, and wisdom of Professor Clayborne Carson, the director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Institute for Research and Education, based at Stanford University. Clay, who was personally asked by Coretta Scott King to gather, save, and organize the papers of Martin Luther King Jr., is the singular living resource of the words and ideas of Dr. King. From the start of our working relationship and the warm friendship that has ensued, Clay has given me rare and privileged access to transcripts, files, letters, and statements associated with Dr. King—as well as his friends and enemies. I am so grateful. The voice and heart of this work belong to Clarence B. Jones, one of King’s “winter soldiers,” the living link to that time and to the person of Stanley Levison. Clarence is my mentor, friend, and inspiration. I am also appreciative for the input provided to me by Andrew Levison, 248| ACKNOWLEDGMENTS son of Beatrice and Stanley, a passionate voice for social justice in the best tradition of his parents. Martha Bates, my longtime editor at Michigan State University Press, architect of my previous King-related books and the pioneer light for this one, is simply indispensable for me. When she happened to retire during the development of this project, I was further blessed to have the Press’s director, Gabriel Dotto, step in as editor. And so, I went from strength to strength. I could not have written anything without the unwavering encouragement and probing editorial assistance of my wife Audrey—who has made my hopes come true. I am also deeply thankful for my daughters, Sari and Debra, who grew up hearing the stories. Now, my stepchildren, Samantha and Austin, are living The Dream. ...

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