Dr. Clarence B. Jones, MLK’s Advisor and Speechwriter

Early Life & Encounter with MLK:

• Dr. Jones was an entertainment lawyer when he was first introduced to Dr. King, who had been indicted for tax evasion in Alabama.
• Initially reluctant to join the Civil Rights Movement, he was persuaded by Dr. King’s speech at a church service, which deeply moved him.

Role in the Civil Rights Movement:

• He worked as Dr. King’s strategic advisor, legal counsel, and speechwriter.
• He was responsible for drafting the first seven paragraphs of the “I Have a Dream” speech.
• He also assisted in exchanging notes that led to the Letter from Birmingham Jail.

MLK’s Personality & Beliefs:

• Dr. Jones describes King as brilliant, humorous, and deeply spiritual, but also stubborn and fearless.
• He recounts how Dr. King genuinely believed that he was protected by Jesus Christ, which contributed to his unwavering commitment to nonviolence.
• Despite the FBI’s efforts to undermine him (including surveillance and attempts to discredit him), King remained resolute.

The Birmingham Jail Letter & March on Washington:

• Dr. Jones smuggled blank sheets of paper into jail so King could draft his famous Letter from Birmingham Jail.
• He recalls a deeply emotional moment when he found a copy of his handwritten note to King about W.E.B. Du Bois’ death preserved at Stanford University.

MLK’s Struggles & Final Years:

• As the Civil Rights Movement intensified, King faced immense psychological pressure.
• A doctor once recommended that King be hospitalized due to stress, but Dr. Jones refused, fearing the FBI would obtain and leak his medical records.

Legacy & Reflections:

• Dr. Jones credits King’s courage and belief in justice for shaping history.
• He reflects on how he initially didn’t expect to live past 50 years old, given the dangers of the movement.