Clarence B. Jones Dies: Attorney Who Helped MLK Draft “I Have A Dream” Speech & Focus Of Sundance-Winning Short Film Was 95
Clarence B. Jones, a prominent civil rights attorney and adviser to Martin Luther King Jr., has passed away at the age of 95. He played a significant role in drafting King's iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024. Jones was also the subject of a Sundance-winning documentary that highlights his contributions to the civil rights movement.
- ▪Clarence B. Jones died peacefully surrounded by family in Cupertino, California on May 22.
- ▪He served as Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal attorney and helped draft several key speeches.
- ▪Jones was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in 2024.
6 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 37 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 4 lean left, 1 right.
- ▪ Clarence B. Jones, who helped MLK write 'I Have A Dream' speech, dies at 95 — ABC News — US
- ▪ Clarence B Jones, who helped MLK write ‘I have a dream’ speech, dies at 95 — The Guardian — US
- ▪ Clarence B. Jones, who helped MLK write 'I Have A Dream' speech, dies at 95 — The Washington Times
- ▪ Clarence B. Jones, civil rights activist who helped write MLK’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, dies at 95 — NBC News — Top
- ▪ Clarence B. Jones, Who Helped Shape ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech, Dies at 95 — NYT — US
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| Original publisher | Deadline |
| Canonical URL | https://deadline.com/2026/05/clarence-b-jones-obituary-1236921460/ |
| Publication time | Tue, 26 May 2026 22:13:57 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-26T22:37:54.885Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Clarence B. Jones in March 2024 John Lamparski/Getty Images Clarence B. Jones, a key adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. who helped organize the March on Washington and assisted King in drafting the Civil Rights leader’s “I Have a Dream” speech, has died. His family says the attorney and academic “passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in Cupertino, California” on May 22. He was 95. Related Stories Obituaries 2026 Deaths Photo Gallery: Hollywood & Media Obituaries Obituaries Sonny Rollins Dies: Jazz Giant Was 95 Jones is the focus of the short documentary The Baddest Speechwriter of All, directed by two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot and NBA superstar Stephen Curry, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
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