dreams of conducting joint evangelistic crusades. But the union
was not to be. King’s approach was too political for Billy’s taste,
and they agreed to seek change in separate spheres.
Billy did invite King to give a prayer at the meetings, a sym-
bolic move that further solidified his commitment to the move-
ment toward racial equality. “A great social revolution is going
on in the United States today,” Billy said as he introduced King.
“Dr. King is one of its leaders, and we appreciate his taking time
out of his busy schedule to come and share this service with us
tonight.”
Billy’s relationship with King affords a telling glimpse into
Billy’s strategy. He sympathized with King’s motives and admired
his peaceful tactics, but he also recognized that much of his own
core constituency was not ready for civil disobedience. Billy broke
custom and tradition where necessary, but he would not break
the law. This cautious approach doesn’t impress many modern
observers, who eagerly point out how much more Billy could
have done to aid King’s cause. At the time, however, Billy bol-
stered King’s agenda among a constituency not yet reached by
civil rights activists. Billy knew his followers and their limitations,
identified their growing edge, and helped shape their perspectives
on race relations.
New York City was not the end of King’s and Graham’s col-
laboration. In 1962, while Billy conducted a crusade in Chicago,
his media adviser, Walter Bennett, offered advice to some of
King’s senior aides. Bennett deconstructed their approach to
event organization and media relations. He warned that King
would burn out if the minister continued his breakneck pace of
speaking at small churches before modest audiences. Bennett
suggested that King should bide his time and gear up for fewer,
more spectacular events. Some of the advice may have influ-
enced them. One year later, King exhibited exceptional media
savvy and organizational acumen during his defining moment,
the March on Washington, where he made his historic “I have a
dream” speech.
The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham