In this WSB newsfilm clip from Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia on October 14, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holds a press conference with his wife, Coretta Scott King, and Andrew Young of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) after learning that he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

The clip begins with Dr. and Mrs. King walking around Saint Joseph's Hospital and reporters taking notes. Next the Kings sit with Andrew Young at a table during a press conference; Coretta and Dr. King appear to speak but their comments are not recorded. The two also hug in front of the cameras. The exterior of Saint Joseph's Hospital is seen before the clip repeats people walking down hallways and unrecorded comments by Coretta.

In an audio portion of the clip, King comments that the Nobel Peace Prize will help all those who "carry on this struggle in a nonviolent, peaceful manner." The clip's audio breaks after which King' declares that "every penny" of the prize money will go to support civil rights work. When asked if SCLC will benefit from the award, King agrees that since he is most closely associated with SCLC, they will probably receive much of the award money. He recognizes the award as a tribute to civil rights workers of all races "who have followed a nonviolent course in seeking to establish a reign of justice and a rule of love across this nation of ours." King repeats the prize's role in strengthening civil rights workers and highlights the award's "international implications." Asked if he sees an end to the civil rights struggle he says he recognizes the movement's challenges, but has faith in America and is pleased with the work done. The clip's audio quality is inconsistent as King reads from a prepared statement and a reporter asks about plans for the award money. King reports that he first learned of the prize when Coretta King called the hospital after receiving a call from a New York radio station; the family also heard about the award from other news reporters before the official telegram from Norway arrived at the office. King informs the reporters that he is in the hospital for a physical check-up and some rest. Asked about congratulatory phone calls, specifically from United States president Lyndon B. Johnson, King indicates that all phone calls are going to his home or the office and that he does not believe the White House has called. King reveals the award will be presented December 10 in Norway and that he and Mrs. King plan to attend. His reply to a question about the award's effects on the civil rights movement is not recorded. The clip ends with King speaking about the upcoming presidential election and SCLC's efforts to encourage African Americans to vote for Johnson. King condemns Republican candidate Barry Goldwater for his stand against civil rights. He outlines some of SCLC's work to encourage voters, including a tour of northern cities. After the election, he mentions that SCLC will return to Mississippi and Alabama, to states that are resisting compliance with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Beyond the election, King announces that SCLC will continue to work toward better jobs for African Americans as well as promoting more effective spending power among African Americans to encourage civil rights through broadening Operation Breadbasket. King's comment on the Nobel Prize's influence on the presidential election is also not recorded.

King first knew he was under consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize in July when 1964 when the committee requested copies of his books and other writings, although he was still surprised when the announcement came in October. King was the second American to win the peace prize and the third black man. The city of Atlanta hosted a special integrated celebratory dinner honoring King after his return from Norway in December.

Title supplied by cataloger.

The Civil Rights Digital Library received support from a National Leadership Grant for Libraries awarded to the University of Georgia by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for digital conversion and description of the WSB-TV Newsfilm Collection.

1 clip (about 13 min.): black-and-white, sound ; 16 mm.

Original found in the WSB-TV newsfilm collection.

WSB-TV newsfilm clip of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking to reporters after learning he has won the Nobel Peace Prize in Saint Joseph's Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, 1964 October 14, WSB-TV newsfilm collection, reel 0051, 9:33/22:20, Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection, The University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Ga, as presented in the Digital Library of Georgia.

Forms part of: Civil Rights Digital Library.