Clarence B Jones, who helped MLK write ‘I have a dream’ speech, dies at 95
Clarence B Jones, a key figure in the civil rights movement and co-writer of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 'I have a dream' speech, has passed away at the age of 95. He was known for his significant contributions to King's speeches and legal battles, including the famous 'Letter from Birmingham Jail.' Jones's legacy includes his work in academia and his recognition with the Presidential Medal of Freedom shortly before his death.
- ▪Clarence B Jones died at the age of 95 in Cupertino, California.
- ▪He was a close confidante of Martin Luther King Jr. and helped write the 'I have a dream' speech.
- ▪Jones was also involved in significant legal cases and later became a professor and scholar.
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 Washington Times
- ▪ Clarence B. Jones Dies: Attorney Who Helped MLK Draft “I Have A Dream” Speech & Focus Of Sundance-Winning Short Film Was 95 — Deadline
- ▪ 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 | The Guardian — US |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/26/clarence-b-jones-martin-luther-king |
| Publication time | Tue, 26 May 2026 23:01:43 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-26T23:17:55.088Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-26T23:17:55.088Z |
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| Cluster | lEjntlyfS0M4 · 6 stories |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Clarence B Jones photographed in Boston in August 2023. Photograph: Nine Acre Photography/The GuardianView image in fullscreenClarence B Jones photographed in Boston in August 2023. Photograph: Nine Acre Photography/The GuardianUS newsClarence B Jones, who helped MLK write ‘I have a dream’ speech, dies at 95Attorney, speechwriter and confidante of King was involved in some of US civil rights movement’s key momentsAssociated PressTue 26 May 2026 19.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleClarence B Jones, a former speechwriter and confidante of Martin Luther King who helped pen his famous “I have a dream” speech, has died.
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