</s>READING BIBLIOGRAPHY Bishop, Jim. The Days of Martin Luther King, Jr. G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1971. Frank, Gerald. An American Death. Doubleday & Company, New YORK, 1972. Hoch, Paul, and Scott, Peter, and Stetter, Russell. The Assassinations, Dallas and Beyond, Random House, 1976. Hue, William Bradford. He Slew the Dreamer. Delacorte Press, New York, 1968. McMillan, George. The Making of an Assassin. Little Brown & Co ., 1976. Seigenthaler, John. A Search for Justice. Aurora Publ ., Nashville, 1971." -161- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail U.S. government analyses of Communist Party influence on African American communities during the 1960s, with specific references to Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Memorandums from August and September 1963 discuss the perceived role of the Communist Party, USA (CPUSA) in exploiting racial tensions, noting MLK as a target due to his leadership in civil rights movements. These documents reference MLK’s involvement in events like the 1963 March on Washington, his associations with organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and his alleged connections to leftist groups. A 1976 task force memorandum outlines efforts to review the FBI’s investigation into MLK’s assassination, requesting an interview with James Earl Ray, a suspect in the case. Correspondence from December 1976 indicates Ray’s refusal to cooperate with Justice Department inquiries, citing past legal proceedings and skepticism about their interest in the matter. A separate legal complaint filed by James E. Ray alleges defamation, civil rights violations, and conspiracy related to MLK’s assassination, including claims of political interference, false accusations, and fabricated media stories. The case involved multiple appeals, including rulings from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1976.  

Key People  
- Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK): Central figure in civil rights movements; referenced as a target of Communist Party influence.  
- James Earl Ray: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; requested to be interviewed by a 1976 task force; filed legal complaints against defendants including TIME magazine, judges, and officials.  
- Percy Foreman: Attorney representing Ray; referenced in allegations of collusion with media outlets.  
- George Kollman, W. Henry Hall, William Bradford Hule, Robert Moore, Brenda Pellicotti, Richard Ichord, Raymond Curtis: Defendants or individuals involved in legal proceedings or alleged conspiracies against Ray.  
- Arthur Bates, Judge Robert K. Moore, Harry Avery, Judge McRae: Officials accused of political interference, arbitrary confinement, or judicial misconduct.  

Key Locations  
- Montgomery, Alabama: Site of MLK’s 1955–1956 bus boycott.  
- Washington, D.C.: Location of the 1963 March on Washington.  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Site of MLK’s assassination and legal proceedings involving Ray.  
- Shelby County Jail, Tennessee: Location of Ray’s incarceration and indictment (no. 166451).  
- Jefferson City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; New Orleans, Louisiana; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Chicago, Illinois; Nashville, Tennessee: Locations associated with legal filings, court records, or alleged conspiracies.  

Key Events  
- 1963 March on Washington: Highlighted as a significant event for Communist Party activities, with MLK noted as a prominent participant.  
- FBI investigation into MLK’s assassination: Reviewed by a 1976 task force; James Earl Ray was sought for interview.  
- April 4, 1968: MLK assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.  
- May 1968: Ray indicted for MLK’s murder in Shelby County, Tennessee.  
- March 10, 1969: Ray enters guilty plea under pressure from prosecutors and attorney Percy Foreman.  
- February 27, 1975: U.S. District Court rules against Ray in evidentiary hearing.  
- May 10, 1976: Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds Judge Moore’s ruling.  
- 1975: TIME magazine publishes article alleging Ray planned MLK’s assassination; claims of fabricated stories and media collusion.  

Key Organizations  
- Communist Party, USA (CPUSA): Analyzed for its influence on African American communities and alleged involvement in civil rights activism.  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC): Led by MLK; referenced in government documents as a key organization in civil rights efforts.  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Involved in investigations related to MLK’s assassination and Communist Party activities.  
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee: Handled Ray’s trial and guilty plea.  
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals: Involved in disputes over judicial rulings influenced by media and political entities.  
- TIME magazine: Accused of libel and obstructing justice through publications alleging Ray’s involvement in MLK’s assassination.

MLK Declassified Files

66-me-2189_sec_001_ser_1-part_5_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

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