CORRESPONDANCE Aug. 1951 COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D.C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS Chairman: Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1103 Trenton Place, S.E. Washington, D.C. August 1, 1951 Dear Mrs. Terrell: At last, here is the letter to the President. I dated it August 3rd to give it time to get to you. I finally got the big mailing off this morning so that we're in pretty good shape to leave for the beach tomorrow as planned. Here is the list of the various committee chairmen you may need: Annie Stein, 925 West Park Avenue, Long Beach, Long Island Randolph Blackwell, Survey Chairman, 2300 First St. nw Adams 9551 Mrs. Alice C. Trigg, Hecht Boycott Chairman 1114 Rhode Island Ave. nw De. 8182 Mr. Walter Williams, Treasurer 427 Columbia Road N.W. Ge. 5777 Mrs. Helen Brown, volunteers 1833 S Street nw De. 0098 Mr. Robert Smith, picket line (Mrs. Smith in charge of church work) 1433 Tea Street Ad. 7750 Margaret A. Haywood 2217 14th St. nw Adams 3420 David Rein 711 14th St. nw Na. 4047 Jo-2-7307 Joseph Forer " J0-2-0439 Mrs. Arline Hays 4863 Potomac Avenue NW Em. 6443 Mr. Smith will get in touch with you about the ministers picket line. Our warm good wishes for a happy summer. Love Arline Telephone: Jo. 2-6932 1615 S Street Northwest Washington, D.C. August 3, 1951 President Harry S. Truman The White House Washington, D.C Dear Mr. President: Knowing of our interest in the problem of segregation and discrimination in our nation's capital, I have summoned the temerity to address you directly, with the hope that you will find the time in your heavily-burdened days to help us in a critical situation. We have exhausted the normal avenues open to a citizen of Washington. The District Commissioners have heard our request but have remained adamant in their refusal to shoulder the obligations of their high office. For the past two years, as chairman of a group public-spirited citizens, I have devoted myself to trying to which prohibit segregation and discrimination in the restaurants and hotels of the District. Together with my good friends Rev. Arthur F Elmes and Miss Jean Joan Williams of the Washington Fellowship, I brought a complaint to the District Commissioners charging that the Thompson's Restaurant had refused to serve us our lunch merely because of our color. Last May, the Municipal Court of Appeals decided that the 1873 Act was indeed law and in full force and effect in the District. We were shocked to read that on the very same day that the Municipal Court of Appeals rendered its decision, the Corporation counsel of the District issued a statement that the would not enforce the law, despite the court order, until all appeals as far as the Supreme Court had been completed. In effect, the Corporation Counsel promised the restaurant owners full immunity from the law. Because of this statement, my group, a third of Washington's population must continue to suffer the humiliations and indignities of segregation and discrimination in restaurants. We are denied the rights and privileges to which we are entitled by the Act of 1873 and by order of the Municipal Court of Appeals. Two Months after we requested an interview with the District Commissioners, we were finally granted a hearing on July 24th. The action of the Commissioners was shocking to me. They upheld the Corporation Counsel completely and issued their statement to the press, again refusing to acknowledge the validity of -2- a law declared valid by the Municipal Court of Appeals. Neither I or anyone I have consulted has ever heard of such a thing; that a law enforcement officer arbitrarily refuse to enforce a law merely because an appeal is pending in a court. This is not merely a technical administrative law. It is a law which gives the nation a long-sought opportunity to bring to an end the intolerable practice of segregation and discrimination in restaurants of the nation's capital; an opportunity to lift the burden of deprivation and embarrassment from the shoulders of one third of the city's population; an opportunity to show the world that the United States believes in and practices its democratic principles. This opportunity the District Commissioners renounce and reject. We know that in recommending the appointment of these Commissioners you trusted them to be men of integrity, devoted to democracy. We feel they have violated your trust in them and ours. We recognize that they are very close to the pressures exerted by the wealthy and powerful restaurant association, which pressures becloud for them the larger issues of national policy involved in this question. It is our fervent hope that you, as the head of city and our national will intervene in the interests of those larger issues. I would be grateful for an opportunity to confer with you together with my secretary and one of two of my co-workers at any time that you might be able to see us. Respectfully yours, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell Chairman Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D.C. Anti Discrimination Laws [Ca 8-4-51] 2222 Eye St NW Washington 7 D.C. Dear Mrs. Terrell Bless your heart, one payment a year is enough. You sent me $10 the latter part of June and I sent you your membership card on July 21. Did you not receive it? I am returning your check. Sincerely, Laura G. Hunter Treasurer, Washington Branch Frelinghuysen University A Group of Schools for Employed Colored Persons 201 T Street, N.W. Washington 1, D.C. August 7, 1951 OFFICERS Rev. A.A. Birch, President Mrs. Anna Lawson Prescott, Honorary Vice President Rev. J.H. Holloway, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Simeon L. Carson, Honorary President, Trustee Board Rev. J.T. Brooks, Chairman, Trustee Board Col. West A. Hamilton, Auditor Zeph P. Moore, Registrar Anna J. Cooper, President Emeritus SCHOOLS Jesse Lawson School Of Religion John M. Langston School Of Law Hannah Stanley Opportunity School Academic Department, English Prep. Fletcher Mae Howell, Principal Dr. F.C. Freeman Mrs. Ida Gibbs Hunt Mrs. Mary Church Terrell '84 O.C. Washington D.C. It was the kindly thot of Dr. Freeman to suggest that we meet remembering '84 O.C. At 2 P.M. Friday August 10 I hope to make my 92d birthday by receiving Holy Communion in my home. It will make me very happy if you can join me. Sincerely Anna J. Cooper [ca 8-7-51] American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born 23 West 26th street New York 10, N. Y. MUrray Hill 4-3457 Honorary Co-Chairmen Dr. Thomas Mann Rt. Rev. Arthur W. Moulron Co-Chairmen Rev. John W. Barr Jr. George B. Murphy Executive Secretary Abner Green Administrative Secretary Dorothy Strange Treasurer Charles Musil Counsel Carol King Sponsors (Partial List) Dr. Edith Abott Bishop Cameron C. Alleyne Prof. Paul J. Allured Hon. Elmer Benson Edwin Bjorkman Dr. Algernon D. Black Dr. James A. Blaisdell Prof. Derk Bodde Rev. J. Burt Bouwman Prof. G. Murray Branch Millen Brand Dr. Dorothy Brewster Rev. Burn Brodhead Prof. Emily C. Brown Dr. Anton J. Carlson Dr. George A. Coe Rabbi Henry Cohen Rabbi Franklin Cohn Dr. Abraham Cronbach Dr. Leo Eloesser Clemens J. France Rabbi Robert E. Goldburg Dr. Marcus I. Goldman Prof. Harry Grundfest Prof. Albert L. Guerard Dr. Ralph Gundlach E. Haldeman-Julius Prof. Calvin S. Hall Dr. Alice Hamilton Dashiell Hammett Prof. Georgia Harkness Rev. Prof. Fleming James, Sr. Prof. Mervin Jules Hon. Robert W. Kenny Dr. John A. Kingsbury Rev. Peter Langendorff Dr. Paul H. Lavietes Ray Lev Dr. Leo Loeb Dr. Oliver S. Loud Hon. Robert Morss Lovett Rev. Sidney Lovett Prof. Curtis MacDougall Prof. John Marsalka Prof. Kirtley F. Mather Dr. Alexander Meiklejohn Bishop Walter Mitchell Hon. Stanley Moffatt Prof. Philip Morrison Prof. Gaspare Nicotri Dr. John S. Nollen Prof. Constantine Panunzio Dr. Julian Park Bishop Edward L. Parsons Dr. Linus Pauling Rev. Linus Pauling Rev. Edward L. Peet Anton Refregier Dr. Bertha C. Reynolds Earl Robinson Boardman Robinson Prof. Philip L. Schenk Prof. Vida D. Scudder Joseph P. Selly Dr. Laila Skinner Prof. Louise Pettibone Smith Vilhjalmur Stefansson Prof. Bernhard J. Stern Fred W. Stover Prof. Dirk J. Struik Prof. Ellen B. Talbot Hon. Edward P. Totten Prof Leroy Waterman Dr. Gene Weltfish Prof. F. W. Weymouth Dr. Henry N. Wieman Dear Sir or Madam, The American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born has been in existence for some twenty years, during which time it has assisted thousands for foreign-born Americans with their problems arising from their foreign birth. Today the work of the Committee is seriously handicapped by the persecution and imprisonment of it's executive secretary, Abner Green. Mr. Green, in an affadavit herewith enclosed, which was presented to Judge John F. X. McGohey, of the Federal District Court in New York, explains the reasons why he refused to submit the names of thousands of individuals throughout the country who have, during these many years, supported the work of the Committee. We feel that a gross injustice has been done the American Committee, as well as Mr. Green. This is a serious attempt to undermine the work that has been done by the Committee and may leave thousands of non-citizens and naturalized citizens without an organization to defend them. Beyond that we believe that this is a dangerous encroachment not only on the rights of the foreign-born Americans but on the whole American people. The entire procedure against Mr. Green has been an attempt to stir up hysteria against him, the work of the Committee, and the foreign born who have been defended by the Committee. An expression of protest against this procedure is surely in order and we are enclosing an Open Letter to the President of the United States to which we appeal to you to sign your name. A postcard is enclosed, for your convenience, which if you will sign will indicate your willingness to add your name to the Open Letter. We appeal to you, in the spirit of fair play and in the traditions of American democracy, which we all cherish, to join in voicing your opposition to this attack on the American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born and its executive secretary. Sincerely yours, George B. Murphy George B. Murphy, Jr. Co-Chairman gbm/df dpowa American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born 23 West 26th Street, New York, N. Y . An open letter to the President of the United States As American citizens, we are alarmed at the persecution and imprisonment of Abner Green, who has been executive secretary of the American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born for the past ten years. The Committee, which has been in existence for almost twenty years, and has carried on its work in assisting thousands of foreign-born Americans with their problems in relation to immigration, naturalization, deportation and related matters, is seriously handicapped by the loss of its executive secretary. We believe that the protection of the rights of the foreign-born Americans is a fundamental right and are concerned by the attempts to prevent the continuance of this work. We protest the unwarranted and unconstitutional attack on the American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born and the persecution of its executive secretary. We urge that you use your good offices to intercede in behalf of Abner Green, so that he may continue his work in defense of the civil rights of foreign-born Americans. dpowa (Copy of Affidavit submitted by Abner Green, executive secretary of the American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born, to Judge McGohey, District Judge of the Southern District of New York ) STATE OF NEW YORK ) ) SS: COUNTY OF NEW YORK) ABNER GREEN, being duly sworn, says : This affidavit is made in opposition to motion to punish me fro contempt of the Federal Grand Jury, before which I appeared on Friday, July 20; Monday, July 23; Wednesday, July 25, and Friday, July 27. I appeared in response to a subpoena, copy of which is annexted hereto as Exhibit A. There are two entirely different matters concerning which I was directed by Hon. John F. X. McGohey to testify and produce documents; (1) the matter and records set forth in the annexed subpoena concerning the Bail Fund of the Civil Rights Congress of New York, hereinafter referred to as the Bail Fund; (2) the American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born, hereinafter referred to as the committee. (1) I answered all questions I was able to concerning the Bail Fund, but there were certain questions concerning which I had no information and accordingly was unable to answer questions. Prior to the service of said subpoena I had been requested to appear before Hon. Sylvester J. Ryan, one of the judges of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, to testify at an inquiry being conducted by him with reference to the failure of certain defendants to surrender as required, and I was informed that my testimony was requested as one of the sureties on the bonds posted by the Bail Fund. I am and have been for the last 1-1/2 years a Trustee of the Bail Fund. I testified on three separate occasions as requested, answered all questions put to me and was finally excused by the Court. Thereafter I received a subpoena from the Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York and appeared in connection with the inquiry being conducted by that Department into the Bail Fund. As I finished the testimony I gave in that proceeding at or about 5:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 19, 1951, I was served with the subpoena to appear at 11:00 a.m. on July 20, 1951 before the Federal Grand Jury allegedly inquiring into a violation of Section 371 of Title 18 of the United States Code, copy of which is, as aforesaid, hereto annexed as Exhibit A. On information and belief said Grand Jury subpoena was served upon me not for the proper purpose of any inquiry honestly being engaged in by the said Grand Jury, but solely for the purpose of harassment. I had already testified in answr to all questions put to me before Hon. Sylvester J. Ryan with reference to the operation of the Bail Fund and that testimony had been transcribed and was available to the Grand Jury. Further questioning before the Grand Jury was calculated to intimidate me or to secure information wholly outside the scope of the Grand Jury investigation. The subpoena duces tecum required me to produce certain books and records, although I had already testified before Judge Ryand that I did not have such books and records. No further or additional information could be elicited in answer to the questions with reference to the Bail Fund, but the service of said subpoena could serve only to harass me. In fact, upon my appearance before the Grand Jury I was heckled and -2- badgered about the same information I had already furnished. On July 20, 1951 I was directed by the Grand Jury to do two things : (a) to go to the office of the Bail Fund and search for the records of the Bail Fund set forth in the subpoena duces tecum; (2) look for any mail addressed to the Bail Fund on the desk of Frederick V. Field, the Secretary of the Bail Fund. I did as I was directed and when I reappeared before the Grand Jury on July 23, reported my compliance with the direction of the previous Friday and more particularly that there was no mail of the Bail Fund on the said Field's desk and that I had not discovered any of the records and documents of the Bail Fun for which I was directed to search. Although I had obeyed the directives given me, Hon. John F. X. McGohey on July 23, 1951 directed me again to produce the documents sought which I had never seen and only knew that said Field had custody and control of same. As Trustee of said Bail Fund I had put myself at the disposal of Hon. Sylvester J. Ryan in his inquiry as to the disappearance of four defendants for whom the Bail Fund posted bail and after three appearances was excused by Judge Ryan, who said : "In view of this man's testimony I can't find a basis for adjuging him in contempt." (2) During the course of my examination before the Grand Jury I stated that I was and for more than ten years last past had been Executive Secretary of the Committee. While before the Grand Jury on July 20 suddenly, without reference to the inquiry upon which the Grand Jury was supposedly embarked, I was directed to produce the books and records of the Committee. I requested at this point the right to consult with counsel and was told I had no such right. Then I was again directed to produce specified papers of the Committee. The Committee has no relation whatsoever to the Bail Fund. The reason for my being a Trustee of the Bail Fund was so that I could help and advise as to the propriety of the Bail Fund posting bail in certain cases of non-citizens arrested in deportation proceedings. The Committee was wholly separate and was not the subject of any Grand Jury inquiry. The demand upon me for the production of its books and records was wholly unwarranted and the direction to me not to consult with counsel was improper and solely for the purpose of intimidating me and depriving me of my lawful rights. I was directed to produce the following from the Committee files : Constitution of the Committee; lease; all correspondence in the files of the Committee; all cash books, ledgers , journals and check books for the last five years; audited report for the last five years; documents and records of all contributions, collections and receipts. This direction is too broad and burdensome in character and the Court should not enforce by contempt the Grand Jury's demand for the books and records of the Committee, which is wholly separate from the Bail Fund and can have no possible bearing on the disappearance of the four defendants nor help in any way to discover their whereabouts. The demand for those records is not for the purpose of helping the Grand Jury's inquiry but is rather for the ulterior purpose of harassment of the Committee's work either because the United States Attorney is seeking to interfere with its defense of non-citizens against whom the Department of Justice has instituted deportation proceedings or merely because I as Executive Secretary of the Committe was a -3- trustee of the Bail Fund and as such incurred the wrath of the United States Attorney. No foundation for the demand on me has been laid. I should not be expected or required to respond until such foundation has been laid. I cannot too much emphasize how entirely irrelevant to the subject of the Grand Jury's inquiry the Committee's records are. The only purpose of the direction to produce these, in my opinion, is harassment -- harassment of me as an individual and of the work my Committee in its defense of the foreign born, which it has been carrying on for the past twenty years. To comply with the direction to produce these records would be to lend myself to the ulterior purpose for which the United States Attorney has sought these records and would interfere with the rights of the foreign born to which the Committee has diligently and wholeheartedly devoted itself in the sincere belief that the constitutional rights of all Americans, native born and foreign born alike, depend upon the protection of those who are the weakest and leaat protected -- the foreign born, for whose protection the Committee was organized and has always functioned. WHEREFORE, I respectfully prey that the motion to punish me for contempt be denied inasmuch as I have furnished what information I have with reference to tthe Bail Fund and obeyed all directions given me by the Grand Jury with reference to that Fund, and with reference to the Committee the directive is too broad, is for an ualterior purpose and not within the subject matter of the Grand Jury's inquiry, and no subpoena was served upon me for the production of any books and records of the Committee (Signed) Abner Green Sworn to before me this 27th day of July 1951 THIS SIDE OF CARD FOR ADDRESS AMERICAN COMMITTEE FOR PROTECTION OF FOREIGN BORN 23 W. 26th St.,New York 10,N.Y. Mr. George B. Murray, Jr. Co-Chairman American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born 23 West 26th Street, New York 10, N. Y. Dear Mr. Murphy: I am willing to sign the Open Letter to the President in behalf of the American Committee and it's Executive Secretary. Name.................................... Address............................... City, Zone, State............... Exhibit A COPY Form No. 68 - Grand Jury Subpoena Duces Tecum The President of the United States of America To Mr. Abner Green Ros. 310 East 49th, Apt. 1A, New York City Bus. c/o Committee for Foreign Born 23 West 26th Street, New York City WE COMMAND YOU that all buisness and excuses being lad aside, you appear and attend before the GRAND INQUEST of the body of the people of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York, at a District Court to be held at Room 514 in the United States Courthouse, Foley Square, in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York on the 20th day of July, 1951, at 11:00 oclock in the forenoon, to testify and give evidence in regard to an alleged violation of Section 371, Title 18, U.S.C. and not to depart the Court without leave thereof, orof the District Attorney, and that you produce at the time and place aforesaid the following: (1) All lists, records, books, books of account, papers, certificates, certificato books, certificate subs, certificato of deposit stubs, and correspondence in your possession or under your control indicating or containing the name of contributors, lenders, depositors or donors of cash, checks, securities or other things of value to the Bail Fund of the Civil Rights Congress of New York; (2) Check books and all other records relating to the bank accounts of the Bail Fund of the Civil Rights Congress of New York relating to both active and inactive, open and closed accounts. And for failure to attend and produce the said documents you will be deemed guilty of contempt of Court and liable to penalties of the law. WITNESS, to the Honorable John C. Knox, Judge of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York, in the City of New York on the 19th day of July in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and fifty-one. William V. Connell Clerk National Council of the Arts, Sciences and Professions 49 West 44th Street New York MU 7 2161 August 13, 1951 Dear Friend: I am sending you herewith a copy of an open letter to President Truman concerning American military bases in Franco Spain. We are convinced that the alliance with Franco negotiated by our military representatives runs counter to the interests of the American people and the Spanish people. Knowing that the overwhelming sentiment of our own people remains as it has been over the past fifteen years opposed to any dealings with Franco, it is not too late to halt an action which brings disgrace to our nation. What is clearly required is a public demonstration of that sentiment by the responsible leaders in American life. It is for that reason that we address you and invite your signature the statement which we hope to publicize by every possible means. I hope you will return the enclosed card in the shortest possible time. Sincerely, John J. DeBoer John J. DeBoer National Chairman An Open Letter to the President American Bases in Franco Spain Security and peace are the declared objectives of our foreign policy. The National Council of the Arts, Sciences and Professions regards the recent move toward securing military bases in Spain and providing military aid to Franco as running counter to these objectives and as violating the interests of both the American people and the Spanish people. It is established that Franco came to power largely with the military aid of Hitler and Mussolini; that under Franco there is no freedom of speech, press, assembly or religion; that the Spanish people are living in a state of oppression and impoverishment under a fascist regime against which they have courageously protested in the recent wave of strikes and demonstrations. The alliance negotiated by our military representatives is not only morally debasing; it is also a futile commitment. No other nation has joined in this action and many have opposed it. It stigmatizes and isolated our country from the rest of the world. Our recent experiences should be an augury of the flagrant waste and the disastrous consequences for peace, which result from financing and propping up non-democratic and corrupt regimes in other parts of the world. We therefore protest military agreements with the very forces against which our armies fought and triumphed in World War II. The times call instead for the forging of peaceful pacts in the interest of peace and democracy. In the name of national security and morality, we call upon our Government to repudiate an alliance with a dictator who is hated by people of all political and religious opinions throughout the world; we call upon the members of Congress to insist that the military alliance with Franco be forsworn so that security and peace be properly served. We call upon the American people to join in this protest. Issued by: National Council of the Arts, Sciences and Professions 49th West 44th Street New York MU 7 2161 Object: To Foster Negro Talent, Labor for Economic and Educational Betterment. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MUSICIANS, INC. ORGANIZED JULY 1919 Clarence Hayden Wilson 4358 Cook Ave. - St. Louis 13, Mo. HEADQUARTERS LINCOLN TEMPLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 11th and R Sts., N. W. August 13, 1951 Dear Citizen: From August 19 to 24, 1951 at Lincoln Temple Congregational Church, 11th & R Streets, N. W., the D. C. Music Association will be the host of the National Association of Negro Musicians. The national body was organized May 13, 1919 at the Dunbar High School, Washington, D. C. Leading artists and musicians from eleven states were present. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE N.A.N.M. ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. To recognize Negro music as a force in the cultural heritage of the nation, to preserve it against desecration, and to stimulate its use as a vital source in patterns of American music literature. 2. To discover and foster Negro talent, to create opportunity for the expression, to labor for economic development, and to maintain the highest professional standards. 3. To secure adequately equipped music departments and to insure the integration of music in the educational programs of schools and colleges. 4. To establish in each community a "music settlement" as a means of assembling and stimulating indigent, talented youth, and a laboratory for the mature musician - composer and performer. Through the years these objectives have found implementation in the awards of many prizes and scholarships. Among the prominent artists, composers, and teachers who were given their initial impetus toward success are: MARIAN ANDERSON $400 Scholarship WILLIAM DAWSON Composer MARGARET BOND Pianist & Composer & Others MANY PRIZES AND AWARDS TO OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY In behalf of the fostering of Negro talent, ideals and culture, the elevation of Negro music to its proper place and the dignifying of the music profession generally, your cooperation is urgently requested in making this convention a success. We are counting on you, Washington, for it is our obligation to keep a reputation we own in full support of musical and cultural movements. Over 200 musicians, artists, and delegates are expected from approximately 28 states. Your help and cooperation may be given in the following ways: 1. Attendance at the Mass Meeting. 2. The purchase of a Series Ticket for all Concerts 3. Contribution to the Scholarship Fund 4. Phone in at DE-1221 any homes available for housing delegates. Tickets can be purchased at 1517 "R" Street, N. W. Call DE-1221 or CO-8344 about reservations and about program information. Attached is a full schedule of convention concerts and sessions. Musically yours, STEERING COMMITTEE HENRY L. GRANT Chairman RODERICK PALMER Convention Chairman ALFRED H. JOHNSON Member CLYDE GLASS Member Object: To Foster Negro Talent, Labor for Economic and Educational Betterment. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MUSICIANS, INC. ORGANIZED JULY 1919 Clarence Hayden Wilson 4358 Cook Ave. - St. Louis 13, Mo. CONVENTION SCHEDULE HEADQUARTERS LINCOLN TEMPLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 11th and R Sts., N. W. SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 at 4:00 P.M. - MASS MEETING Lincoln Temple SPEAKERS: Warner Lawson........................................... Howard University Jesse Mitchell ...................................................Industrial Bank Joseph Donohue .......................................D. C. Commissioner Justin Laurie ............................................Foundry Methodist Church MUSIC: Washington Conservatory Chorus - Willis Hines......................... Director Pearl Williams ..........................................................................Dramatic Soprano George Bossard .............................................................................Bass-Baritone SUNDAY NIGHT - AUGUST 19 at 8:00 P.M. ........................SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST MONDAY NIGHT - AUGUST 20 at 8:00 P.M. ..........................Lincoln Temple (Washington Night Concert Featuring Local Artists) Dr. Gladys T. Peterson..................................................................... Guest Speaker Roberta Long ..................................................................................................Soprano Gallbraith Choir - Willis Hines............................................................ Conductor Chuancey Brown ................................................................................................Tenor Louia Vaughn Jones...................................................................................... Violinist Alma and Henry Blackmon ...............................................................................Duet TUESDAY NIGHT - AUGUST 21 at 8:00 P.M. .............................Lincoln Temple (National Branch Night Featuring Artists From Affiliated Branches in 28 States). WEDNESDAY NIGHT - AUGUST 22 at 8:00 P.M. ......................Lincoln Temple (National Branch Night Featuring Artists From Affiliated Branches in 28 States). THURSDAY NIGHT - AUGUST 23 at 8:00 P.M. ...........................Lincoln Temple HONORS AND AWARDS CONCERT PRESIDENT WILSON - Honored for 10 Years Service SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS - Receive Awards CITATIONS MUSIC: Mattie Willis ..........................................................Soprano - Battle Creek, Michigan Charles Theodores Stone ...............................................Baritone - Chicago, Illinois Carmen Sheppherd ........................................................Mezzo-Soprano - New York Norma Harris & Kenneth Henderson........... Duo-Violinists - Washington, D.C. Lynwood Stewart ..............................................Marimba Soloist - Washington, D.C. Dr. Hilda Bolden ....................................................................Pianist - Washington, D.C. Musical Arts Choir - Othello Wilson...................... Conductor - Washington, D.C. FRIDAY NIGHT - AUGUST 24 at 8:00 P.M. Lincoln Temple NATIONAL ARTISTS CONCERT Thomas H. Kerr ......................................................................Pianist - Howard University Roena Savage .......................................................................Soprano - Lincoln University Robert McFerrin ...............................................Baritone - Salmaggi Opera Co. Boston SUMMER BALL LINCOLN COLONNADE AUGUST 24TH 11 to 3 A.M. Admission $1.50 1307 Hansford St. Charleston 1, W. Va August 15, 1951 Dear Mrs. Terrell: Your card of August 13th was received today. I am so happy to know that you were one of Miss Nannie H. Burroughs teachers in High School I count it an honor to have your comment in the testimonial book among her many friends. Please make check payable to Miss Nannie Helen Burroughs. The deadline for the comment is the 20th of this month. Gratefully yours, Margretta L. Wanger (Mrs.) MARY MCLOUD BETHUNE Founder. President Emeritus DOROTHY B. FEREBEE National President National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (Affiliated with the National Council of Women of the United States, Inc. and International Council of Women of the World) 1318 VERMONT AVENUE, NORTHWEST WASHINGTON 5, D.C. Telephone: COlumbia 4434 August 21, 1951 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: The National Council of Negro Women is preparing a Souvenir Journal marking its sixteenth year. The book will be ready for distribution at the annual convention, meeting in Washington, October 25-27. During my visit to the national office this week, I was asked to solicit greetings from a few outstanding men and women who are friends of our work. The book would not be complete without a word from you. We should be honored indeed to have you point out in about twenty-five words the increasing significance of the role of women in society and the importance of women's organizations. Our deadline is September 5. I trust you will find in convenient to let us hear from you by that time. Sincerely yours, Mary McLeod Bethune Mary McLeod Bethune Founder, President Emeritus WOMEN UNITED--- "A Magazine Dedicated to all Women Everywhere" The National Council of Negro Women announces the publication of its First Souvenir Journal (marking its Sixteenth Anniversary) SPECIAL FEATURES A volume attractively bound, largely pictorial in content, which will carry: 1. The history of the organization 2. Articles by outstanding women 3. Complete listing of life members 4. Pages from the Mid-Century Register of the NCNW 5. The history of the National Affiliates of the NCNW 6. History of the six regions 7. The history and progress of the individual local Councils throughout the country. Advertising in a Journal like this will assure the coverage of Negro women in all endeavors--home women, domestic workers, those who work in offices and factories, teachers, nurses, social workers, lawyers, doctors, shop workers, executives. This Journal will, because of its informational content, become a reference book in the homes of thousands of Americans. Co-Chairmen--Mrs. Jane Spaulding Mrs. Sue Bailey Thurman 1318 Vermont Ave., N.W. Washington 5, D. C. Your Questions and Answers About - - - The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. WHAT IS THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN? THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, IS A COORDINATING, PLANNING BODY. It was organized to meet the need for united planning and concerted action for the economic, social, educational and cultural welfare of Negro women in local communities and on national and international levels. It has brought together national organizations of Negro women to achieve the stature necessary for representation at home and abroad. WHEN WAS THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN ORGANIZED? In 1935, Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune, the Founder, called together fourteen women's organizations to see how, in working together, they might study their common problems and become the unifying force, the numerical strength needed for intelligent and effective action. As the idea of the organization spread, individual members enlisted. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN? The purpose of the National Council of Negro Women is as follows: 1. To ACHIEVE the integration and full participation of Negro Women into all phases of community and national life. 2. To SERVE as a clearing house for women's organizations. 3. To GATHER AND DISSEMINATE information on the progress and contribution of women designed to stimulate intelligent participation in community and national affairs. 4. To DISCOVER AND DEVELOP leadership among Negro women. 5. To MAINTAIN AND STRENGTHEN the quality of interracial and intercultural understanding of peoples throughout the world. 6. To INCREASE economic security through job preparation and work efficiency. 7. To DEVELOP a political consciousness and responsible participation in our democracy. HOW DOES THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN ACHIEVE ITS PURPOSE? The National Council of Negro Women seeks to achieve its purpose through the following program emphasis: LABOR AND INDUSTRY HUMAN RELATIONS SOCIAL WELFARE CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM ADDRESS REPLY TO "THE ATTORNEY GENERAL" AND REFER TO INITIALS AND NUMBER JMM:MWH:efr 144-16-60 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON 25, D. C. August 22, 1951 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell Chairman Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D. C. Anti-Discrimination Laws 1615 S Street, Northwest Washington, D. C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: Your letter of August 3, 1951, to the President has been referred to this Department for consideration and reply. It is noted that the letter is concerned with the enforcement of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1873 and that you express the opinion, in view of the recent decision of the Municipal Court of Appeals, that the statute should be enforced without further delay. As you, of course, know, the Thompson Restaurant case is now before the United States Court of Appeals and will, it may be assumed, be decided in the not too distant future. You also know, no doubt, that the Department has intervened as amicus curiae and has expressed its conviction that both the 1872 and 1873 laws are in effect and presently enforceable. It is hoped that the Department's position may aid in an early and satisfactory conclusion of the matter and that this will allay the natural disappointment expressed in your letter with respect to the failure of District of Columbia officials to institute additional prosecutions. Respectfully, For the Attorney General James M. McInerney Assistant Attorney General Barnard College Columbia University New York 27 OFFICE OF THE DEAN August 24, 1951 Dear Miss Terrell: Enclosed is a reprint from the Reader's Digest of Miss Elinor Lipper's story of her eleven years in Soviet prison camps. This gives the most complete account available of life in the "workers' paradise" for an estimated 15 million men and women who are condemned to slave labor under the Soviets. Miss Lipper is coming to the United States early this Fall for a six-week's nation-wide tour under the auspices of the Iron Curtain Refugee Campaign. This Campaign gives emergency relief to those thousands who flee from behind the Iron Curtain each week at the risk of their lives. They are the best elements of the Eastern European peoples. They are marked for destruction wherever Soviet Communism takes over. Miss Lipper's forthcoming visit is a significant even especially to the women of America because through her personal witness to the brutality of the Communist slave labor camp system, the American people can be aroused to help those who seek refuge in democratic countries. For this reason I have agreed to act as Honorary Chairman of a National Women's Committee to Welcome Elinor Lipper. A number of well-known American women leaders have already agreed to serve as members of this National Committee to sponsor the tour. Among them are Sarah Gibson Blanding, Clare Boothe Lucy, Ruth Bryan Rohde and Anna Lord Strauss. Mrs. Hiram Cole Houghton will act as Executive Chairman. With this letter I am asking you and other distinguished American women to join me in a National Committee to Welcome Elinor Lipper. The strongest possible leadership is essential if Miss Lipper's visit is to accomplish its purpose. Your identification with this effort will help immeasurably in the success of our attempt to secure financial support for those men and women who have suffered as a result of Communist totalitarianism and who can contribute so much to the maintenance and growth of our civilization. I earnestly hope that you will be willing to accept this invitation to become a member of our National Committee. If so, please sign the enclosed card and return it to me as soon as possible. Yours sincerely, Millicent C. McIntosh Mrs. Rustin McIntosh P.S. I also hope that you will be able to meet Elinor Lipper personally during her tour throughout the country. If you are interested in helping to arrange meetings in your locality at which Miss Lipper will speak, please do not hesitate to let us know. Mrs. William Frank Harris 270 Lasky Drive Beverly Hills, California Aug 25-'52 Dear Mary C. Terrell, This morning I noticed a familiar name as I read the daily newspaper. My thoughts hurried back to the early years of the 1940's when I was living in Michigan (for four years following the death of my husband from a heart attack in Maine.) I had read a book concerning a colored woman "in a white world" and was so impressed with it I wrote the author. I bought a copy of the book and she autographed it for me. I remembered a nice letter I had received from her. My special reason for writing to her was to promise to meet her if she ever came to Bay City- my home would always be open to her as an honored guest. I have been living in California since 1944 but I have often in the past been a winter visitor here with my husband. The autographed volume was in my bookcase. Several years ago I missed it and have since racked my brains trying to remember if I lent it. I have asked friends if they ever had it- but it remains an unsolved question. No new book, though a copy the same, could replace it- it belonged to a certain period of my life. But it seemed like something out of the pictures behind me that form my past days(as I look back) to see your name. I am glad to know you are still alive- so many I knew are not here today. I am sixty-seven!! myself - but the real me is the same as the little girl, the teenager, the mature woman of all those days from 1885 to 1952. The spirit does not change, nor the consciousness. I know you can say the same. Again let me say I am glad you are here on earth and also here is California, and I hope you may live on for many years to bless your race. I love them for their sweetness and kindness, happiness & religion (And for their soft voices for so many of my own race have not that quality.) I am reading the life story of a colored missionary "Amanda Smith's Own Story", published 1893 with a foreword or introduction by a Bishop Thoburn of India for she travelled in all lands as a preacher. How hard her life was when young. I have just finished the notes of John Burroughs, they end with his death. This morning I was with Mary Russell Milford in her last letters. These friends living and breathing still in their books! You need not burden yourself with any acknowledgement of this - it is just a greeting to you since I read you are on California soil. And to thank you for the interesting little part you have in my memory - the few threads in that tapestry woven there by you and your book. "We are a part of all those we have met" someone has said. An interesting thought. Very sincerely Grace Mache Harris UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Production and Marketing Administration 802 W. 9th Street Little Rock, Arkansas AUG 27 1951 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 So. Street NW Washington, D.C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: The enclosed release from this office will give a cross-section view of the accomplishments and value of the National School Lunch Program- a vital factor in reducing illiteracy and promoting health among Negro children. Yours very truly James P. Davis James P. Davis Administrative Officer jpd/bt Encl. "COVERING A CONTINENT" The American News Company, Inc. 131 VARICK STREET New York, 13. N.Y. August 29, 1951 Mrs. March C. Terrell Hihgland Beach Maryland Dear Mrs. Terrell: Your letter of August 8th, has been received and I wish to thank you for your explanation concerning the non-delivery of "A COLORED WOMAN IN A WHITE WORLD,". I regret to inform you that as we are but wholesale distributers of finished products and not producers or publishers, we will be unable to aid with any concrete suggestions as to how to go about having a book reprinted. We regret our inability to serve you in this instance. Very truly yours, KJ Hanlon DEPARTMENT OF BOOKS KJH:FD GREATER WASHINGTON COMMITTEE FOR PEACE August 31, 1951 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, NW Washington, D. C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: As you know from the newspapers there is much to be done before peace can be assured either in Korea or elsewhere in the world. War devastates, it does not create. Understanding can be achieved only by negotiation - never by war. It is not clear that America's policy- makers are strongly convinced that peace is possible or desirable now. We men and women who believe in the practicability and need for peace must make our sentiments heard and felt by our country's leaders. We are sure you will want to join with us in supporting such a program. There are many ways in which to work. For example, all over the country independent peace-action groups have been formed in neighborhoods, churches, synagogues, civic and fraternal organizations. Would you like to help form such a group in your organization - perhaps through your Social Action or Women's Committee A member of the Greater Washington Committee For Peace would be happy to discuss such a plan with you, and give any possible assistance. We also suggest that letters be sent to President Truman and members of Congress urging action for peace. Although the press constantly tells us of the inevitability of war, we can write to the Letters to the Editor Departments telling of our hopes and activities for peace. These are just a few ways to work for peace. Our Committee is meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13th at 8:30 OM at the Friends' Meeting House, 2111 Florida Avenue, NW. We would like very much to have you join us for an information discussion of how we can most effectively work for peace We will also have a discussion of the pamphlet issued by the American Friends Service Committee called STEPS TO PEACE, led by Daniel Houghton of the Friends Meeting of Washington. Sincerely yours, GREATER WASHINGTON COMMITTEE FOR PEAVE George D. Naylor Rev. George D. Naylor, Chairman Betty Hays Mrs. Betty Hays, Exec. Sec'y Telephone: EMerson 6443 Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.