What a blessing to have David Ritz as a collaborator on this particular book project, which has meant more to me than any I have ever done, given my deep and abiding love for Martin Luther King Jr.
I was also blessed to have a wonderful researcher for this text, Jared Hernandez, who had boundless energy and great ideas. Without David and Jared, this text simply would not exist.
Thanks to Dr. Cornel West for the countless conversations over many years about how to make to the world safe for the legacy of Dr. King.
Deep gratitude to our leader, Michael Pietsch; my publisher, Reagan Arthur; my brilliant editor, John Parsley; the delightful Malin von Euler-Hogan; my able executive assistant, Kimberly McFarland; the indefatigable agents David Vigliano and Ken Browning; and all my friends (too numerous to count) who reviewed various parts of this manuscript in process.
Finally, to the King family I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, loving, and serving: Coretta Scott King, Yolanda Denise King, Martin L. King III, Dexter Scott King, and Bernice A. King. Thank you for sharing; thank you for your sacrifice.
—Tavis Smiley
My thanks to Tavis Smiley, whose rich mind, boundless enthusiasm, and loving dedication to this work have inspired and blessed me mightily.
Jared Hernandez, a fabulous researcher.
Roberta Ritz, whose editorial acumen is always invaluable.
David Vigliano, whose creative mind initiated this project.
John Parsley, for superb editing and total support.
Kimberly McFarland and Malin von Euler-Hogan, for ongoing encouragement.
My family: Roberta, Alison, Jessica, Jim, Henry, Charlotte, Nino, James, Isaac, sisters Elizabeth and Esther.
My friends: Harry Weinger, Alan Eisenstock, Herb Powell, John Tayloe, and all the Tuesday gang of poets and prophets.
—David Ritz