Court Allows TV anchor to Keep MLK Papers

By Kevin Eck 

A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling allowing WLBT anchor Howard Ballou to hold on to documents and other material tied to Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The lawsuit, filed by MLK’s estate in September 2011, said Ballou’s mother, Maude (pictured left), kept items pertaining to King. Maude Ballou worked for King from 1955 to 1960 and said King gave her the items.

U.S. District Court Judge Tom Lee dismissed the lawsuit in March 2012 saying there was nothing to contradict Ballou’s assertion she was given the material. Lee’s decision was upheld by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Friday.

Advertisement

WLBT, the NBC affiliate for Jackson, MS, has the back story to the suit on its website.  Click here to view.

[abcnews.com]

Advertisement