University of Virginia Library

Surprise Move

In a surprise move responding
to the assassination of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr., the Seven Society
established an award to be
given next year to an individual
chosen for his pursuit of human
freedom and equality.

Announced by President Shannon
at the ceremonies, the letter
from the secret society referred
obviously to Dr. King although
it did not by name. "A leader
has fallen," it began, "A family
grieves. A nation mourns. And
somewhere in the emotion of it
all, between the tears, the pity,
and the disbelief, many people
have stopped, but for a moment,
to reexamine themselves."

The letter requested the appointment
of a committee of men
and women affiliated with the
University to be charged with
the responsibility of selecting the
recipient to be presented by the
Seven Society at the Founder's
Day ceremonies next year.