Dr. King Meets An Enemy

By Doc Lawrence

Images of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. rarely show him in relaxed, social situations. Understandably, he is remembered and revered for his powerful speeches, sermons and marches. The private man was a highly educated, handsomely dressed gentleman whose conversation reflected social skills and an appreciation of the arts and a familiarity with advanced lifestyles. He was well-traveled and had an eye for quality.

One day in Atlanta, these attributes would prove to be useful.

Jim Sanders, who would soon become the father of fine wines in Atlanta, owned a retail wine shop near Georgia’s state Capitol. Sanders, also a French-trained chef, kept a space in the rear of his store he called “poor Jim’s soup kitchen,” where he would serve delicacies and glasses of wine to favorite customers. Sanders Wines was a popular stop for much of Atlanta’s elite and powerful. Because of Sanders enlightened views and progressive political leanings, his door was open to everyone.

On the day he was preparing to celebrate his wedding anniversary, Dr. King walked into Sanders Wines to buy an appropriate wine for this special occasion.

There others sitting in the rear of the store including Georgia governor Marvin Griffin, an arch segregationist and a vociferous critic of King and the civil rights struggle.

Something magic happened and Jim Sanders, a skilled writer, typed out the events on his Underwood later that evening. Just prior to Sanders death in 1999, he gave me the original transcript, requested that I share it regularly and I have endeavored to do that each King Holiday.

I read Jim’s story on my radio show, “Your Atlanta Gourmet,” and here is the full broadcast story that has been shared throughout the world:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwPVYgA3c5I