In this section of the auction, we are pleased to offer a selection of items pertaining to the African American experience in America. Selections range from an early 1930s button reading "The Nine Negro Boys Of Scottsboro Shall Not Die" to posters distributed by the Black Panthers in the late 1960s and early 1970s up to a 2008 poster featuring candidate and future President Obama marching. The first lot in this special grouping of items is an important signed example of Martin Luther King Jr's first book "Stride Toward Freedom". Often, when recalling the history of the modern civil rights movement, the focus is placed most heavily on the battles in the streets. Of equal importance were battles in the court room. Our first lot is a spectacular tip of the hat from one legend to another.

5.75x8.25x1". First edition of "Stride Toward Freedom By Martin Luther King, Jr." This book came out in August of 1958 and this example is an early printing with "I-H" on the copyright page and with dust jacket flaps designated "No.8471A" and "No.8472A". Boldly signed and inscribed by Dr. King in blue ink on the first free end page "To: Justice Earl Warren. In Appreciation For Your Genuine Good-Will, Your Great Humanitarian Concern, And Your Unswerving Devotion To The Sublime Principles Of Our American Democracy. With Warm Regards Martin L. King Jr". Additional pencil notation at upper right in the hand of Mrs. Warren noting the arrival date "Re'cd 1959/Sent Corr To Office 1/12/59". Some rubbing and wear to dust jacket with fading of spine end from display in Justice Warren's personal library. The book itself is NM. Signature and inscription are strong and bold. A faint bit of aging to the paper at the extreme edges not affecting the overall impressive presence of the inscription and signature. We found sales records for this book signed to Adlai Stevenson (over $13,000), Ralph Abernathy (over $14,000) as well as other 'less' notable examples in the $8,000 to $13,000 range. After our research, we feel this example is bested by none considering its strong connection between a civil rights pioneer on the streets and one in the courtroom who as head of the Warren Court ended school segregation with the Brown v. Board of Education unanimous and historic decision in 1954. A rare opportunity to acquire a truly historic and unique cultural artifact. This book was consigned to Hake's by the Warren family. Comes with Hake's COA and JSA LOA.