Community activists hope to save MLK's Camden home

CAMDEN, NJ (WTXF) Martin Luther King Jr. once lived in Camden, but that house, according to the city is dangerous and needs to be demolished.

Now the community is coming together to try to save the landmark . FOX 29's Bill Anderson spoke with activists who want the home marked as an historic site.

When you look at 765 Walnut St. in Camden, New Jersey, there's not much to distinguish it from much of the block. It's a boarded up house surrounded by many vacant lots but at least one thing makes it different.

Community Activist Patrick Duff was studying Dr. King's life when he found the documents showing he lived in Camden for a brief time. The house was owned by his seminary roommate's family who still owns it today.

They're working with the historical society to have it marked as a historic site. The city says the house is dangerous and has to be demolished or repaired. Neighbors say that can't happen.

The family has applied for historic status with the Historical Preservation Society. If approved federal funding for repair could be made available.