The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Volume VII

The book offers an in-depth exploration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s early interactions with President John F. Kennedy and the evolving civil rights landscape of the early 1960s. It details King's initial optimism about Kennedy's presidency, which turned to frustration over the lack of commitment to civil rights. The narrative highlights the tensions between King and student activists, particularly during the Albany Movement, and showcases his efforts to strengthen the Southern Christian Leadership Conference while navigating challenges that shaped his future activism, particularly in Birmingham.