In the late 1950s, the issue of racial discrimination in the United States was pervasive, seeping into many aspects of societal interaction, including the military draft process. This systemic discrimination profoundly impacted individuals like Preston King, a young African American man who faced not just the pressures of civil rights issues but also personal confrontation with discriminatory practices within the U.S. draft board. His steadfast commitment to being addressed with dignity led to nearly four decades of self-imposed exile.
Early Confrontations with the Draft Board
Preston King, born and raised in Albany, Georgia, was an accomplished student accepted to pursue further studies at the prestigious London School of Economics after graduating from Fisk University. In 1956, during his preparations for studies abroad, King encountered the first signs of discrimination from his local draft board. Initially, they addressed him appropriately as “Mr.” in correspondence granting him a deferment for his studies. However, this respect was short-lived.
Upon a courtesy visit to the draft board, where his racial identity became apparent, the tone shifted. Subsequent communications from the board dropped the formal “Mr.,” addressing him merely by his first name, “Preston.” This action was a clear demotion in status, a common practice used against African Americans at the time to enforce racial hierarchies.
Stand for Dignity
Refusing to accept this second-class treatment, King demanded to be addressed formally, linking respect with his willingness to serve. His insistence was not merely about a title but a stand against a broader pattern of racial disrespect entrenched in the system. His demands, however, were met with charges of draft dodging when he refused to report for duty under a demeaned status. This led to a legal and societal battle that would define his life for decades.
Legal and Social Ramifications
The local draft board’s refusal to address King with the courtesy title of “Mr.” escalated to a full legal confrontation. King’s family, including his brother C.B. King, who was Georgia’s first black lawyer, supported his legal fight. Despite their efforts, the racially biased judicial system of the time led to King being swiftly tried and convicted of draft dodging. He was sentenced to a year and a half in jail, a sentence that prompted his decision to leave the United States.
Life in Exile
King’s exile began in the early 1960s. He settled abroad, continuing his academic pursuits and eventually becoming a professor of political philosophy. His life overseas included significant academic contributions and a family, but the shadow of his unresolved conflict with the U.S. government lingered. Despite an amnesty declared by President Jimmy Carter for Vietnam War draft dodgers, King was excluded due to the specifics of his case, including the fact that he had left the U.S. while on bail.
Path Towards Resolution
Over the years, the case of Preston King faded from public view until renewed interest in the late 1990s prompted local and federal officials to reconsider his situation. Community support, along with political pressure, eventually led to the reconsideration of his case by the U.S. government. This shift was reflective of a broader acknowledgment of the historical racial injustices that had marred the civil rights era.
Legacy and Return
Preston King’s struggle against discriminatory practices was not just about personal respect but was emblematic of the broader civil rights movement. His insistence on being addressed properly underscored the fight against systemic racism that permeated even the mundane aspects of daily life. After nearly forty years in exile, King’s case was re-evaluated, leading to significant legal and social reconsiderations.
King’s eventual return to the U.S. was not just a personal triumph but a symbolic victory for many who had suffered similar indignities. His story remains a poignant reminder of the personal costs of systemic racism and the long journey toward justice and equality in America.
