Now on Moments in Time, an analysis of the use of the N-word straight from the mouth of Dr. King is available for purchase.

“The words ‘dark skinned American’ constitute a vivid depiction of both citizenship and race just as you point out,” read a letter dated Jan. 18, 1966. “I agree wholeheartedly with you that the import of that term is in salient contrast with the connotation attached to the word ‘nigger.’ The word ‘nigger’ carries with it a meaning deeply rooted in the debilitating racist case ordering of our society’s slavery and epoch and segregation era.”

Signed by Dr. King himself, the letter is from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), where the civil rights icon served as president. The SCLC was on a mission to focus on issues that included economic inequality and started the Poor People’s Campaign in 1967. Dr. King was the first president from its launch until his assassination in 1968.

“The term, ‘dark skinned American’ often finds its way into my speeches and writing and, encouragingly, I notice it, too, n the usage of so many others,” Dr. King continued in the letter. “The use of that and similar appellations reflect both our great heritage and our devotion to a brand of Americanism of the highest order.”

SCLC

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