Martin Luther King, Jr. - “I Have a Dream” 50th Anniversary Commemorative Doll

In 2014, the Black Genealogy Search Group of Colorado (BGSG) gifted this commemorative Martin Luther King, Jr. doll to the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library to show their appreciation to the Library for the services, programs and outreach we provide to the community. We would like to thank the Black Genealogy Search Group for their generosity and invite you to stop by the library and take a look. The MLK doll currently lives on the second floor of the Blair-Caldwell Library in a display case.

Information about the Group:

In February 1982, the Black Genealogy Search Group of Denver, Colorado was formed by the six individuals in attendance, with the help of Shirley Sheets, a Library Assistant at the Denver Public Library. In January 1993 the Ford-Warren Branch became home to the organization until January 2004 when they moved the Blair-Caldwell Library. The purpose of this organization is to increase the popularity of our common interests in genealogy and Black history. They hope to grow and expand their activities as they attract new members. By developing strong relationships, friendships, and dedicated members the organization will become even stronger. BGSG's main objectives have been 1) to bring together searchers with the same interests to experience the fellowship of these gatherings as they share problems and discoveries and learn genealogical research techniques from each other and from other resources, 2) to encourage and assist African American researchers to reclaim their rich heritage, and 3) to encourage searchers to document their research efforts and write their family histories.

Thanks to a large number of dedicated members and excellent instruction, many researchers have been able to trace their roots and locate ancestors. The BGSG meets monthly at the Blair-Caldwell Library on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Doll:

Meticulous sculpting by the Danbury Mint faithfully captures the essence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his noble, contemplative features are expertly painted by hand.

This doll is crafted of fine porcelain and comes dressed in skillfully hand-tailored attire. Dr. King stands on a wooden base and the crystal backdrop features passages from his immortal speech, “I Have a Dream.”

On August 28, 1968, Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to more than 250,000 people assembled in unity and purpose. Dr. King’s words, even now, resonates 50 years later, as a persuasive call to continue the struggle for freedom and tolerance for African Americans and all people.

The Danbury Mint is a world leader in the design and development of fine collectibles. They have been serving the needs of collectors to acquire keepsakes of lasting meaning, beauty and importance for over 40 decades.

Find more resources about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. online.

Contributors: Annie Nelson and Hadiya Evans