George Raveling and the ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech
45 years ago today the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington DC.
What few people realize is that Villanova All-American George Raveling ‘60, who was in DC to be a part of the March on Washington, was asked to provide security for Dr. King and was within arm’s reach of King when he delivered “the speech”.
Following the speech, Rav asked Dr. King if he could have the copy of the speech, and without hesitation, he received it.
That original typed copy resides in Rav’s safe deposit box today.
Update: This article notes…
A few years ago, Raveling decided the notes — which could have fetched him millions — belonged in the Martin Luther King Museum in Atlanta, so he called to tell his story and donate the notes to the museum with a single caveat. He simply wanted the plaque to read, “Notes donated by George H. Raveling.” In a shocking turn, the museum representative was less than kind and rebuffed the offer…
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2 Responses to “George Raveling and the ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech”
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I hope that someday it resides in the National Archives, or some other place where it can be seen; seem a shame for it to be cooped up in a bank vault…..
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Bill, according to this <a href=http://www.jackieandfritz.com/2008/08/possessing-dream.html>article</a>…
A few years ago, Raveling decided the notes — which could have fetched him millions — belonged in the Martin Luther King Museum in Atlanta, so he called to tell his story and donate the notes to the museum with a single caveat. He simply wanted the plaque to read, "Notes donated by George H. Raveling."
In a shocking turn, the museum representative was less than kind and rebuffed the offer.
[Reply]