CORRESPONDENCE Feb. 1953 COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D.C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS 1103 Trenton Place S.E. Washington, D.C. Johnson-2-6932 February 1, 1953 Dear Friend: We are all shocked at the incredible decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals in our case against the Thompson Restaurant testing the validity of the laws of 1872 and 1873 prohibiting discrimination in restaurants and hotels. We know you will want to join with us in voicing your protest against this display of race prejudice and in undoing the damage done to our city and our nation by this decision. Enclosed are two copies of a petition to the Commissioners and to President Eisenhower. We ask 1. that the Commissioners immediately issue a regulation prohibiting discrimination - a power implied in the decision. 2. that the President exert his powers and influence to fulfill his campaign pledge to end discrimination. He can do two things right now...ask the U.S. Attorney-General to intervene in the case before the Supreme Court, and instruct the Commissioners to issue and enforce a regulation prohibiting discrimination. We are sure you will join your efforts with ours. Get your petitions filled promptly and send them or bring them to 1015 M Street N.W. Additional copies of the petition are available at that same address. Bring your filled petitions to the next meeting of the Coordinating Committee MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9th at 8:15 PM 1015 M Street N.W. Your financial help is need now. Will you please make your check payable to Mary Church Terrell, Chairman, and send it to Coordinating Committee, 1103 Trenton Place S. E. Washington, 20, D.C. We are confident that the indignation of the people of this city will turn this defeat into victory. Sincerely yours, Mary Church Terrell, Chairman Oliver T. Palmer Petition Campaign Chairman CO-5-3612 [*ML*] A Petition TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND MEMBERS OF THE D.C. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESPECTIVELY : We, the citizens of Washington, D. C., are sick of segregation. It is wrong and indefensible. It makes us vulnerable to national and world-wide criticism. We feel the means for ending segregation, here, as soon as possible,, must be seized wherever they present themselves. In the decision of the U. S. Courts of Appeals, when it struck down the two nineteenth century laws prohibiting discrimination in Washington eating-places, we find the suggestion that the power to enact such laws is vested in our commissioners. WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, while awaiting the Supreme Court review of the Appeals court decision, urge you to adopt this suggestion immediately and further, to take prompt action to fulfill the president's pledge to end all segregation in the nation's capital NAME ADDRESS COORDINATION COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D. C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS 1103 TRENTON PLACE S. E. JOhnson 2-6932 Chairman; Mrs. Mary Church Terrell WHEN THIS PETITION IS FILLED PLEASE RETURNE IT TO 1 01 5 M STREET N. W. OR CALL CO. 5-3612. "Public Opinion is everything. With public opinion nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed."--- Abraham Lincoln AMERICAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION 33 WITHERSPOON STREET PRINCETON 2, N. J. February 2, 1953 Dear Reader: Will you do us a brief favor? We are endeavoring to learn something about the reading habits of key executives such as yourself. Will you take a minute to jot down your answers to the three simple questions listed below? We pledge to keep your reply strictly anonymous, and will be grateful for your help. 1. To which of the following magazines do you personally subscribe for general or business news? (Please Check) Time Fortune U.S. News & World Report Nation's Business Business Week Newsweek 2. Which one of the above magazine do you find most useful to you in your work?.................................. 3. In which one of the above magazines do you place the most confidence?....................................................... Sincerely, F.W. Leonard FWL/pnj P.S. A stamped, addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience. 1615 S Street, Northwest Washington, D.C. February 2, 1953 Dear The election of President Einsenhower and of a Republican Congress places a great responsibility on us who live in Washington. During the election campaign, General Eisenhower said, "I believe we should eliminate every vestige of segregation in the District of Columbia." As citizens of the District, who have long suffered from its segregated policies and customs, it is our duty to propose to President Eisenhower those specific steps which he should take in order to carry out his pledge. As President, he has the ultimate executive authority for the District of Columbia and can utilize all of this executive power to eliminate discrimination and segregation. He appoints the District Commissioners, Judges for the District of Columbia, and numerous other District officials. Also, as President, he can recommend legislation to Congress and, as head of the Republican Party, he can use his influence to have this legislation passed by Congress. I am, therefore, asking you and several others who have been active in opposing segregation, to meet with me on Sunday, February 8th, at 4:00 P.M., at the home of Mrs. Alice Hunter, 72 R Street, N.W., who graciously volunteered its use for this meeting. I am sure that by pooling our various experiences in the fight against segregation, we can arrive at a constructive program of action to meet the new situation. I look forward to seeing you at Mrs. Hunter's on Sunday. Sincerely yours, Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO DEFEND NEGRO LEADERSHIP ROOM 21 1600 FULTON STREET BROOKLYN 13, N.Y. PResident 8-2057 February 3, 1953 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: This is to inform you that one of the victims of Smith Act conviction, namely, Mr. Benjamin J. Davis, became eligible for parole this February. He has already had a hearing. Friends of Mr. Davis have made an appointment with the head of the Federal Parole Department in Washington, D.C. for Tuesday, February 10, 1953, to urge favorable action on the application for parole. Knowing your interest, as a member of our Committee, we would like for you to go with the delegation on that date and take part in the deliberations. Please let us know immediately whether you can accompany the delegation and we will forward to you all details about the arrival of other delegates in Washington and how you can contact them. We do hope you shall be able to take part. Sincerely yours, Edward D. McGowan Rev. Edward D. McGowan, Chairman Resident Committee, Nat'l Committee To Defend Negro Leadership 2014 McKean Avenue Baltimore 17, Maryland February 6, 1953 My dear Mrs. Terrell, You have certainly made me happy by your graciousness in allowing me to bring the president of the Negro History Club of DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOL to interview you in your home at 1:00 today (Saturday). Last week the Baltimore Afro American carried an essay you had written on Douglass some time ago. I read it, and reread it many times. It fired me with the desire to have you say something in some way to my club and the other students. Knowing your busy schedule (and the club's lack of funds) I knew getting you to address the club and school was unlikely. But I wanted very much to have you communicate to them some of the things your article communicated to me. I was hesitant to as that you grant my club president an interview which we would record on wire and present to the group during Negro History Week; but my mother-in-law said if you were available she KNEW you would serve youth and the Negro as you have always done over the years. It was on her encouragement that I made the call Friday evening and, true enough, you said you would give me a few minutes out of your busy day. I shall be at your home at 1:00. The club president (a young man in the 3rd year at Douglass) will build his interview around these four questions: - What were your reactions when you first met Douglass? - What kind of personality did he have? - Do you have any Douglass anecdote that would have significance today? - What message do you think, from your knowledge of Douglass, he would give to our Negro youth today? In closing I would like to say that my mother-in-law knew you years ago when she lived in Washington as the wife of the late Dr. James R. L. Diggs. She is now Mrs. Alberta Diggs-Jones and I married the youngest daughter of Dr. Diggs. Please know that I am looking forward to the experience of meeting you as you probably looked forward to meeting the great Douglass. Very truly yours, Lewis G. Sheppard Lewis G. Sheppard HOWARD UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON 1, D.C. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT February Sixth 1953 Dear Mrs. Terrell: Please allow me to acknowledge and to thank you for your letter bearing date of February 3rd, inviting me to be the principal speaker at an outdoor meeting for first-class citizenship on Sunday, March 1st, at about 4:00 P.M. I greatly appreciate your valued invitation and wish heartily that I could serve you, for I am deeply interested in this cause. Unfortunately, I have an engagement at the Shoreham Hotel on that day and I am therefore not free to serve you. All good wishes to you! Sincerely yours, Mordecai Johnson Mordecai W. Johnson Mrs. Mary Church Terrell Chairman Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D.C. Anti- Discrimination Laws 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. February 7, 1953 Rev. John H. Robinson, Secretary Baptist Ministers Conference 646 Fifth Street N.E. Washington, D.C. Dear Rev. Robinson: Thank you very much for having given me an opportunity last week to tell you and the other officers and members of the Baptist Ministers's Conference about our efforts to end segregation and discrimination in the restaurants of Washington. We appeal to you for your support and participation in our present campaign. As you know, the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Thompson Restaurant Case was a terrible blow. However, we feel we can turn defeat into victory by supporting now the suggestion that the Commissioners issue a regulation prohibiting discrimination in restaurants and hotels. The right of the Commissioners to issue such a regulation was clearly implied in the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals. The President's State of the Union message, repeating his campaign pledge to end segregation in Washington makes it our duty to express in some visible form our unanimous support of that goal. and our determination to bend every effort to see that it is achieved. The Coordinating Committee is sponsoring: 1. A petition campaign, calling on the Commissioners and the President to end segregation now, specifically to issue a regulation prohibiting discrimination in restaurants and hotels. 2. A solemn and dignified march to be held on March first ending in an outdoor meeting, if possible at the Lincoln Memorial- to pledge our support to the President in the carrying out of his promise to end segregation in our city. We hope you will circulate the petition widely. We call on you to sponsor the parade and meeting, both as a conference and individually; to help us plan it; and we urge the full support of your congregations to this effort. The Baptist Ministers of Washington have been a tower of strength to us in the three years of our work in this cause. We look to you with hope to help guide us in the future as in the past along the path that leads to freedom and to full citizenship in America. Respectfully yours, Mary Church Terrell THE CATHOLIC INTERRACIALIST 4233 SO. INDIANA AVE. CHICAGO 15, ILLINOIS Feb. 7, 1953 Dear Mrs. Terrell, We were very disappointed at the unfortunate decision on restaurants in Washington. We would like to help your fight for a capital that would be a credit to us instead of a shame. Please call upon us if you see a way we could help. We would be glad to send marked copies of our February issue with the editorial on "Subversive Restaurants" to any restaurants you might wish. Might I suggest that you tear out a list of restaurants from a Classified directory (telephone) and check the ones you wish would receive a copy of our paper? Or you may have another list your can spare. You know the old saying about constant pressure wearing away a stone. Let's hope Pres. Eisenhower uses the great power of his office on this stone which oppresses our nation's capital. Sincerely in Christ our Brother, Mabel C. Knight 28 N. Oraton Parkway E.O. N.J. 2/9/53 Dear Mrs. Terrell and Phyllis. Please let me explain to you for not acknoledgeing your nice card at Xmas-time My Husband passed away just before Xmas and I did not send our any cards at all he died almost suden only 2 hours and it was such a shock to me I havent hardly got over it I do hope you both are well and fine. 2 of my great neices from Washington came up to the funeral. we have very nice weather here now I must close Much love to ya both from Mary J. Lackland P.O. Box 2171 P.W. & I. School Mt. Home A.F.B., Idaho 9 February 1953 Chairman Mary Church Terrell Coordinating Committee For The Enforcement of the D.C. Anti-Discrimination Laws 1615 S Street N.W. Washington, D.C. Dear Chairman Terrell: Your letter of 1 February 1953 was forwarded from 1354 Talbert Terrace, S.E., Washington, D.C., my permanent address. Since my transfer from the Washington area in August 1952, the Committee's fight against discrimination in places of public eating have been followed by radio and newspaper. The highlight of these victories, only through personal scarifice by the workers, was culminated, I believe, in the lowering of Hecht Company's discrimination bars. Decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals against the Thompson Restaurant test case proved to be most unfortunate. Though I am desirious of joining in the present efforts of voicing protest through a petition or any such similar action, existing Federal law prohibits this by military personnel. The scope of the law, for the benefit of base personnel was reiterated recently in conjunction with the 1952 political campaign. Any political committee, party, or other similar organization activities were prohibited. Nevertheless, my gratitude goes to all the cooperating individuals and organizations who have supported the Committee. I do wish, however, to devote myself fully to the improvement of race and human relations, as soon as, my military obligation is fulfilled. Realizing that the path to dominant and minority group relations can best be buttressed by well trained personnel., it is requested you aid me with academic advice. Any information furnished to assist in my planning a course of study in race relations would be greatly appreciated. I intend to seek a graduate degree after military service in 1954. My Bachelor's degree was earned as a member of the 1951 June class from Howard University. All pertinent information about my personal history and situation will be furnished upon your request. Looking forward to the day when again success is celebrated, and discrimination is eleminated throughout Washington, D.C., I remain Sincerely yours, Napoleon N. Vaughn Napoleon N. Vaughn 2d Lt., USAF [*Copy*] 1615 S St N.W. Washington, D.C. Feb. 10, 1953. Judge Lewis L. Douglass President of the Academy of Political Science Fayerweather Hall, Columbia University New York, N.Y. Honored Sir It is impossible for me adequately to express my gratitude to the Officers and Directors of the Academy of Political Science for the honor conferred upon me by inviting me to become a member of that great organization. In addition to the information gained and the many advantages acquired membership in the Academy willbe an inspiration to mr, I am sure. Inclosed is a check for one hundred dollars, the membership fee. Sincerely yours, SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY hOUSE Office 1725 First Street, S.W. Washington 4, D.C. Phone - Li-4-7122 February 10, 1953 Dear Member: The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Southwest Community House will be held at 7:30 P.M. Monday, Feb. 16, 1953 at 12th St., Branch Y.M.C.A. 1816 - 12th Street, N.W. You are urgently requested to attend. Miss Edith A. Lyons President Ernest S. Jenkyns Secretary *NOTE The fourth monday in February is a holiday. SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY HOUSE SOUTHWEST HOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Report of the regular meeting, 12th Street Y.M.C.A., Monday, January 26, 1953, 7:30 p.m. Those Present: President Lyons, Director Lewis, Dr. Peterson, Mesdames Kimbrough, Coleman, Messrs. Jackson, Dorsey, Washington. Those Excused: Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, Father Bianchi, Mr. Jenkyns. An Executive meeting was begun at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the statement issued by UCS of Cash Receipts and Disbursements for Southwest Community House for the year ending December 31, 1952. This meeting continued until a quorum of the Board was reached at 8:30 p.m. The regular meeting of the Board began informally at that time with a continuation of the budgetary discussion. A leading question asked by Board members of the Executive Director was as follows: "How was the deficit of $917.83, for the calendar year 1952, acquired?" Mr. Lewis replied that $528.00 of this deficit represented unpaid nursery feeds; $189.81 represented overages among operating expenses. The remainder of the deficit, $200.02, was caused by miscellaneous expenses which could not be documented at the meeting because specific information was lacking. Mr. Lewis reported that appropriations from UCS for the calendar year 1953 may not be forthcoming until the 1952 deficit is eliminated. Attorney Washington moved that a letter be sent to Mr. John J. Shinker, UCS controller, requesting that appropriations be granted to the House despite the present deficit. Mr. Washington added that the letter should include a statement setting forth a plan of Southwest Community House to wipe out the deficit by (1) collecting $528.00 accounts receiv- able and (2) developing a specific fund-raising plan. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Coleman and passed by the Board. Miss Lyons asked both Mr. Lewis and Mr. Jackson to draft the letter. Mr. Lewis suggested that money be borrowed from the Building Fun to meet the deficit since such a letter, as proposed by the Board, might cause the Board embarrassment. Miss Lyons polled the Board members present concerning Mr. Lewis; proposal. The Board rejected the proposal, voting not to borrow from the Building Fund. Mr. Dorsey suggested that the next Budget report include accounts payable. Attorney Washington reported to the Board that a problem has arisen in con- nection with the estate of Mrs. Leachman. A settlement of the suit brought by Mr. Bright for services rendered Mrs. Leachman is pending. A proposed compromise of $4,000.00 for 16 years service of Mr. Bright is to be offered to the legatee. The problem for the Board is: "What position does the Southwest Community House take in regard to the proposed compromise?" The Board expresses itself to be in favor of the compromise and directed Attorney Washington to represent the Board at a hearing of the matter to be held in the near future. Mr. Washington stated also that the Corporation Counsel has ruled that South- west Community House will have to get a Boarding House license for the Nursery School. Mr. Washington suggested that the license should be purchase under pro- test and that the Board should send a letter to the Community Chest Federation stating its position. Mr. Dorsey moved, Mrs. Coleman seconded that Mr. Washington should draft such a letter. The motion was carried. Mr. Dorsey announced that he had received letters from both Southwest and Southeast Nursery Schools thanking him for Christmas gifts that he distributed to them on behalf of the Board. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stanley E. Jackson, Asst. Secretary Edith A Lyons, President Southwest Community house Board of Directors 3103 Georgia Avenue, N.W. Washington 10, D.C. February 12, 1953 Coordinating Committee 1103 Trenton Place, S.E. Washington 20, D.C. Attention: Mary Church Terrell Dear Miss Terrell: It is indeed a pleasure and privilege for me to write you these few lines commending the good work that your committee is doing. Although I am a member that did not real active work, I would like you to know that you have my support and good will. Enclosed please find a small sum to help you further the good cause. From time to time I shall endeavor to send some kind of help. Very truly yours, Eric F. Rollocks schools. Jane is her class representative on the student council, and has been class vice president two years. So there is never a dull moment here. Sincerely yours, Helen Gilbert HCG 4045 Aspent St. Phila. Feb. 13, 1953 Dear Mrs. Terrell, This picture and feature article occupied a prominent place on the editorial page of our daily Philadelphia paper. I thought you might like to read it, and know that at last people here are becoming conscious of conditions in our Nation's Capital. Do give Phyllis my love, and take care of yourself, for you have a lot of work yet to do. Jane and Frank are both preparing to graduate in June. She from College and he from High School. She took the National Teachers' Examination last week. Frank is a co-editor of his school paper, and represents his school on the radio broadcasts of the city's high We Can Honor Lincoln by Following His Example Americans today are, as Abraham Lincoln saw them ninety-odd years ago, the inheritors of a trust, a people with a destiny to make democracy and the brotherhood of man a reality and an example to the world. Today we mark the birthday of the Great Emancipator. Yet we mark it in mixed terms for there still survives - worst of all in our Nation's capital - a lingering form of the prejudice and hatred which Lincoln fought all his life. Lincoln was a Great Emancipator because he first was a Great Humanitarian. he battled slavery not only because it was wrong but because it was cruel. For those same reasons we should press forward the fight against discrimination which the Negro still suffers in Washington, D.C., a city which ought to be setting the world an example in tolerance and justice. It was in our own city of Philadelphia that Lincoln, in an impromptu address, observed: "I have never had a feeling, politically, that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence...which gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the whole world." That is why, 90 years ago, when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, he said: "If my name ever gets into history, it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it." Lincoln had a sense of destiny, not only for himself but for his country. We are moved to hope that we are recapturing that sense of destiny in our present generation. Never was there greater need for boldly setting an example which will give new "hope to the world." And one ounce of action will be worth a ton of preachment. Right today the Soviet Union is pouring propaganda into Asia and Africa telling, often falsely, of the racial prejudice which not only exists here but which thrives right in our capital, where people of color remain second class citizens and are told where to eat, where to sit, where to live, and where not to go. Today, for the first time in two decades, the political party founded by Abraham Lincoln is in power in Washington. Today we can think of no better way in which that party can - in the name of the American people - pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln than by following his example. Emancipate Washington D.C.! End segregation in Washington The American way THE TRUTH GOES MARCHING ON COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D. C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS 1103 Trenton Place, S. E. Washington 20, D. C. Johnson 2-6932 Chairman: Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N. W. North 3691 February 13, 1953 I hope that you will find it possible to be present at a meeting of ministers with leading members of the Coordinating Committee on Wednesday, February 18, at 11 A.M., 1015 M Street, N.W. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss with you how to proceed at this critical moment in our fight against segregation in restaurants and hotels. We believe it is timely now to plan some form of action that will rally the widest support of the people, to show to the nation our determination to end segregation in Washington now. Just what form this should take depends on what you think would be most effective. We are counting on your advice and your participation both to determine the nature of this united effort and to help lay careful and detailed plans so that its success is assured. I sincerely hope you will be able to meet with us on Wednesday. Respectfully yours, Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell Chairman COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D. C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS 1103 Trenton Place, S. E. Washington 20, D. C. Johnson 2-6932 Chairman: Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N. W. North 3691 February 13, 1953 I hope that you will find it possible to be present at a meeting of ministers with leading members of the Coordinating Committee on Wednesday, February 18, at 11 A.M., 1015 M Street, N.W. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss with you how to proceed at this critical moment in our fight against segregation in restaurants and hotels. We believe it is timely now to plan some form of action that will rally the widest support of the people, to show to the nation our determination to end segregation in Washington now. Just what form this should take depends on what you think would be most effective. We are counting on your advice and your participation both to determine the nature of this united effort and to help lay careful and detailed plans so that its success is assured. I sincerely hope you will be able to meet with us on Wednesday. Respectfully yours, Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell Chairman Mr. Hiram H. Hayes 4863 Potomac Avenue, North West Washington 7, District of Columbia Feb. 14 [1953] Dear Mrs. Terrell, After phoning all morning and ascertaining that we will most likely have about 30 people here Monday night, I wrote out the enclosed draft. This is about what I think of saying to the gathering, if you approve. would you too say a few words. If you tell me your topic I will include it. Please make any corrections. I will be glad to have the benefit of your advice. With sincere regards Arline D. Hayes This is a special meeting of the organizations group of the Coordinating Committee. The job of this group is to secure all possible aid from Cooperating organizations. Because of the adverse decision in the Thompson case and of the implications involved the Coordinating Committee is spearheading a drive to end segregation in the Nations Capitol. In this we need all the help you can give. [us] Therefore we have asked 3 qualified members of the Coordinating Committee to state briefly our case, the activities necessary and the assistance that is essential. [Mr. Blackwell] Mr. Rein one of our very capable lawyers will speak of the present status of the case. Mr. Blackwell will tell you what we are doing now, what we re planning and outline the assistance individuals and organizations can [could] give. Mr. Jackson will speak on the financial aspect of the drive. After this we will welcome your suggestions and we hope to hear of ways that you and your organizations can play important rolls in this large undertaking. Before we adjurn Mr Robinson has a very important announcement to make. The Baptist Ministers' Conference of Washington and Vicinity President, Dr. J. P. Nichols 1226 Irving Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. PHONE: LAwrence 6-6882 SECRETARY Rev. John H. Robinson 646 Fifth Street, N.E. Lincoln 308859 ASSISTANT SECRETRAY Rev. J. S. Hayward TREASURER Dr. J. H. Marshall VICE PRESIDENTS Rev. Henry Houston 913 - 47th Place, N.E. Rev. Edgar Newton 1118 Columbia Road, N. W. February 14, 1953, Mrs Mary Church Terrell Dear Madam, In reply to your letter of February 14, respecting my presence at the meeting Wednesday at 11: am of the Coordinating Committee for racial justice an opportunity that may wipe every vestige of racial discrimination in our's the Capitol of the Nation and wherever it may extend by the efforts of this organization and also acknowledge the previous letters and representatives that have come before the Conference. I shall as requested to give my entire support in every way I can and also further state that we the The Baptist Ministers' Conference of Washington and Vicinity President, Dr. J. P. Nichols 1226 Irving Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. PHONE: LAwrence 6-6882 SECRETARY Rev. John H. Robinson 646 Fifth Street, N.E. Lincoln 308859 ASSISTANT SECRETRAY Rev. J. S. Hayward TREASURER Dr. J. H. Marshall VICE PRESIDENTS Rev. Henry Houston 913 - 47th Place, N.E. Rev. Edgar Newton 1118 Columbia Road, N. W. Baptist Ministers' conference comprised of 200 constituents will go on record as doing whatever they can to foster the movement until it has reached it goal. Respectfully yours, rev. John H. Robinson Sec. of the Conference NORTH CAROLINA MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA [*$ 11encl.*] 2002 11th St N.W. Washington, D.C. February 14, 1953 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell Coordinating Committee 1103 Trenton Place S.E. Dear Mrs. Terrell, Please find check enclosed in the amount of eleven dollars (11.00) representing a small contribution towards your great undertaking. Also enclosed are signed petitions. Boosters Club N.C. Mutual Joseph F. Harris Jr. Joseph F. Harris Jr. Treasurer (Feb 15, 1953) COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D.C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS 654 Girard Street, N.W. Washington 1, D.C. Hobart 2-0679 Dear Friend: It is with a sense of regret and loss that I invite you to a "Farewell Reception" for our Executive Secretary, Mrs. Annie Stein, who is moving to New York next month. As you know, Mrs. Stein has been our secretary since the Committee was first organized. I cannot begin to estimate how great a part her capable, untiring services have played in our successful campaigns to open Washington eating-places to everyone. Mrs. Stein's numerous secretarial duties will be undertaken by a group of members. But her wisdom, her guidance, her spirit are irreplaceable. We shall miss her as a secretary -- "The Greatest Secretary in the World" I have called her -- but even more as a person dedicated to the causes of democracy. Our farewells will be said on Sunday, March 8th., from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Alpha House, 1800 New Hampshire Ave, N.W. I am sure you will want to come and say Goodbye, and Good Luck, and God Bless You, to this gallant and resourceful woman. Sincerely, Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell Chairman To cover expenses of the reception, a souvenir program will be printed. Won't you add your name to the list of sponsors of the reception? Individuals may become sponsors for $1. Organizations for $5. Please make all checks payable to the "COORDINATING COMMITTEE". Mail to: Mrs. Geraldine D. Elliott, 654 Girard Street, N.W. Apt. 402 Washington 1, D.C. DEADLINE FOR SPONSORS: February 25, 1953. The Academy of Political Science Fayerweather Hall, Columbia University New York 27, N.Y. Tel. UNiversity 5-400 Extensions 2314 and 2315 Board of Directors President -- Lewis W. Douglas Vice Presidents -- Thomas J. Watson | Leo Wolman Director and Secretary -- Grayson L. Kirk Associate Director and Asst. Treasurer -- Mary M. Anger Douglas M. Black W. Randolph Burgess Artemus L. Gates Robert M. Haig John A. Trout Thomas S. Lamont The Rt. Hon. Lord Layton Samuel McCune Lindsay Roswell Magill John J. McCloy Shepard Morgan Thomas I. Parkinson Franz Scheider Honorary Members The Rt. Hon. Winston S. Churchill General Dwight D. Eisenhower Charles Rist Emilio Del Toro February 16, 1953 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S. Street, N.W. Washington 9, D.C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: In Mr. Douglas' absence, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you as a Life Member to the Academy of Political Science. Your many contributions not only to the Academic world but to the promotion of the highest ideals of an informed, disinterested public opinion in all facets of public life both here and abroad makes us indeed pleased to number you among our members. Enclosed is a receipt for your remittance, and your Life Membership certificate will be sent to you as soon as it has been properly engrossed. The January Proceedings entitled "The United Nations: Success or Failure?" and the December 1952 issue of the Political Science Quarterly are being sent to you today. If you have any comments about our meetings or publications, we will be pleased to have them. You can be assured they will be given our most serious consideration. Sincerely yours, Mary M. Anger Mary M. Anger Director MA: LR The Academy of Political Science in the City of New York FOUNDED 1880 INCORPORATED 1910 This is to certify that on this thirteenth day of February Anno Domini One thousand nine hundred and fifty three Mary Church Terrell has been enrolled a Life Member of The Academy of Political Science in the City of New York. Witness the Seal of the Academy and the Signatures of the President and Secretary L M Douglas President John H, Krout Secretary February 17, 1953 Mr. Eric F. Rollocks 3103 Georgia Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Rollocks: Thanksyou very much for your contribution of $1.00 to help further our work to end segregation in Washington restaurants. I am turning over your kind letter to Mrs. Terrell who I know will deeply appreciate your expression of support. Sincerely yours, Annie Stein, Secretary February 17, 1953 Mr Joseph F. Harris, Jr. Boosters Club 2002 11th Street N.W. Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Harris: Thank you very much for the petitions you turned in and for your contribution of $11 to help our cause. I am forwarding your letter to Mrs. Terrell, who I know will get great pleasure from the knowledge that she has your support and active work to back up her efforts. We know how close you are to the people through your everyday contacts, and having your enthusiastic support assures is of the success of our mutual efforts. Thank you again for your help. Sincerely yours, Annie Stein, Secretary February 17, 1953 Miss Mabel C. Knight The CATHOLIC INTERRACIALIST 4233 South Indiana Ave. Chicago, 15, Illinois Dear Miss Knight: Mrs. Terrell has asked me to convey to your our warm thanks for your letter and for the splendid editorial "Subversive Restaurants Must Change!" It is a source of great strength to us to know that citizens all over the country are alert and concerned over the plight of the nation's capital, and willing to work to make Washington a place to be proud of. I have adopted your suggestion of noting the restaurants in the Yellow Book that would have their consciences put on notice by your forthright editorial. The restaurants checked are ones that have refused service to our committee members repeatedly. Most of the others also discriminate, but these we know from first hand checking. The Court decision was a serious blow, especially since it was so outspokenly racist-declaring that "Jim Crow laws" were within the province of a municipal government to enact because they promote "peace and good order", but that anti-segregation laws could not be considered in the preservation of peace and order. The case is being appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, but of course, we are not sure that it will be accepted for review by that Court and will not know for another month or two. In the meantime, we are pressing for the Commissioners of the District (appointees of the President) to issue a regulation now prohibiting discrimination in restaurants and hotels. They have the power, and the President has the power through them to do so. We are urging the President, too, through a petition to exert his executive authority now in this field where he has power, to fulfill his repeated pledge to clear the District of the evil of segregation. Congress, of course, has full power to do all that is needed to make our city a democratic one. The letters to Congressmen that you suggest will bring us new hope. Sincerely yours, Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church (Organized 1841) Corner 15th and R Streets, N.W. Session Dr. Halley B Taylor -- Moderator Mr. William H. Edinburgh -- Clerk Mr. William C. Sears -- Treasurer Mr. Woolsey W. Hall Mr. Jacob A. Handy Mr. E.S. Jenkyns Mr. S.B. McCottry Dr. C.N. McMillan Mr. F.M. Morton Mr. Theodore W. Onque Mr. F.R. Paulding Mr. W. Ellsworth Reid Capt. John E. Smith Trustees Mr. Woolsey W. Hall -- President Mrs. Rosina C. Tucker -- Vice President Miss Ellen L. Lee -- Secretary Mr. C.O. Lewis -- Treasurer Dr. C.B. Beckwith -- Envelope Clerk Mr. F.B. Beckwith Mr. Horace Blair Mr. Clarence Cooper Mr. Paul D. Hill Mr. R.B. Johnson Mr. Robert E. Lee Mr. Robert E. Taylor Mr. F.M. Morton Halley B. Taylor, D.D., Minister Manse: 1715 First Street, N.W. Telephone MIchigan 6423 Washington 9, D.C. Feb, 17th, '53 Dear Dr. Terrell, I am sending enclosed, for your perusal, a copy of my Pre- Inaugural sermon. Hoping that this may find you well, and commending and thanking you for your heroic and effective efforts towards bringing in the rule of real democracy in our country, I am, Very Truly yours, Halley B. Taylor 1715 First St., N.W. "It's Time For What Kind of a Change?" A Pre-Inaugural Sermon delivered by The Rev. Halley B. Taylor, D. D. in the FIFTEENTH STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Washington D. C. PUBLISHED UPON REQUEST By The Session 1953 It's Time For What Kind of a Change? On this, the Sabbath morning of Inaugural Week, in the spirit of sincere humility, I should like to share with you some of my own personal thoughts on the subject: "It's Time for WHAT KIND of a Change." From the Executive Offices of the Inaugural Committee, 1953, under the date of January 6th, 1953, letters were sent out to "The Religious Leaders of Washington," which were signed by eleven Protestant, Catholic and Jewish representatives, in which they made the joint plea: "We urge that in all our places of worship, on occasions of public worship-during Inaugural week -special prayers be offered for the President Elect, and for all who will share responsibility with him in the executive branches of our government-for the new Congress and for the whole people of our nation." To this plea, we are duty bound-as Christians- to give the most earnest heed because the Apostle Paul-inspired and moved by the Holy Spirit-says to us in his 1st Epistle to Timothy 2:1-2: "I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; For kings, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." The essence of the Apostle's exhortation is, that if we hope for, and are desirous of leading a "quiet, a peaceful life, in all godliness and honesty," we (1) should pray for kings (or Presidents or rulers) and all that are in authority. Perhaps never before-since the days of Abraham Lincoln-has it been so deeply felt, as it is today, that an in-coming President and Congress needed so much the intercessory prayers of the people. While it is believed that the President-Elect has been well prepared-by his enlightening observations and varied experiences-to discharge, creditably, the duties of the highest office in our nation, into which he is about to be inducted; -and While we are confident that the President-Elect has named some of our country's best prepared people to be his cabinet members and special top advisors;-and While we are satisfied that, today, we are, materially, the strongest, richest and most resourceful nation on the face of the earth;- Yet, the feeling seems to be quite general, that these advantages (such as we now enjoy and have enjoyed for several years) are not sufficient alone (for the days that are before us) to insure to all of our people their rightful heritage of good, and make us a blessing to our fellowmen throughout the world; but that we need, above all, the presence of God to guide and sustain our government and us, and to rule and over-rule in the affairs of our country. It was, no doubt, this feeling (though perhaps undefined) that incited millions of Americans-during pre-election days-to clamor insistently and incessantly, "It's time for a change," "It's time for a change." In spite of the fact, that the American people were enjoying the highest standard of living, materially, that any people had ever enjoyed-they (2) still shouted: "It's time for a change"-in our government and national life. In calling for and demanding "a change," did the people mean that it was time for a new administration to take over to do the SAME things in ANOTHER WAY, that the old administration and administrations had been doing through the years?- or- Did they mean that it was time for NEW PEOPLE to move into lucrative and desirable offices and positions to do the SAME WORK that others had been doing?-or- Did they mean it was time for a change which would enable millions of loyal American citizens to enjoy-without let or hinderance-all of our country's benefits and privileges-which they have never before enjoyed, so that all might lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty? When the victorious millions of voters registered the belief-last November-that "It's time for a change"-the serious question that should naturally arise NOW is: "It's time for WHAT KIND of a change?" I, as one of an untold number of loyal Americans, have been looking and anxiously waiting (for years and years) for a change-initiated and effectually promoted by our government-that would liberate our people of color from the humiliating bonds of proscription and discrimination, and enable us to enjoy, to the full, the benefits of our country, which we have labored to make possible, in the times of peace, and which, in the times of war, we have helped to perpetuate and defend with our substance and lives in every area of conflict. I repeat, that I-as one of an untold number of Americans-have been waiting for this kind of a (3) change, for years and years, while new Presidents and their administrations have come and gone-and have left us (virtually throughout our country) holding the status of second class citizens-subject to the spiritual and physical handicaps and hardships of racial segregation and discrimination and proscription. I looked for the change that would have enabled our people to enjoy-as others-their full American heritage, when William McKinley triumphed over William Jennings Bryan in 1896-the same year that George H. White, of my home city, was elected to Congress-the last Negro member until the coming of Oscar DePriest. My revered father had told me that we could expect MUCH good from President McKinley because he was from Ohio, and had been a Major in the Union Army, which had fought for our people's freedom. But, during President McKinley's administration, the Negroes of North Carolina (my home state) were callously disfranchised; and humiliating and defrauding Jim Crow laws-for the first time- were enacted and ruthlessly enforced, with the tacit approval of the President and his administration, inasmuch as they followed a "hands-off" policy. And then, when President McKinley had been assassinated, and Vice-President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him to the Presidency, I felt sure that he would most assuredly give us "a square deal," because Negro soldiers had bravely and gallanty fought and died to save him and his Rought Riders from being slaughtered in the Spanish-American war. But, after seven and a half years, he relinquished the Presidency, leaving the masses of our people disfranchised and Jim-Crowed and the helpless vic- (4) tims of widespread, gross discriminations. He walked or spoke softly and carried a "big stick"- but not in our behalf. And, then, when the Honorable William Howard Taft, of Ohio, succeeded President Theodore Roosevelt, I expected MUCH, because I was led to believe -by Professor Braswell R. Winstead, a Lincoln University graduate-that President Taft had not made special and weighty promises to people of color because, to him, all Americans were alike. But during President Taft's four years in office, Negroes were unceremoniously thrown out of practically all of the government positions, which they had been holding in the Southland, and the shackles of disfranchisement, Jim-Crowism and discrimination were more firmly riveted upon the collective body of Negro Americans than ever before. Then, after President Taft (according to my thinking) had failed so miserably (so far as my people were concerned) I became ready to look to Governor Woodrow Wilson as the man who had been "fore- ordained' to bring about the change for which we had been yearning. I asked myself, "Is he not the son of a Presbyterian minister?" and "Is he not a great historian who knows that evil and injustice MUST eventually be overcome and crushed-in nations as well as in men?" And then, when the late Bishop Alexander Walters, of the A.M.E. Zion Church, told me, personally, that Col. Henry Watterson, Editor of the Louisville Courier-Jounral-and a friend and confidant of Governor Woodrow Wilson-had assured him that Governor Wilson was ready "to lean over backwards" to prove to the Negroes that the Democratic Party was not their enemies, but their friends; then I hoped for the election of Governor Wilson to the end that our people might share in the full and unrestricted benefits of American citizenship. (5) But during his eight years of administration, Jim- Crowism and discrimination were expanded-(even to government buildings and employees here in the Nation's Capital)-and he proved himseilf to be, up to his time, the most supercilious and scornful President we had ever had-in his attitude towards groups of representative Negroes. After President Wilson, with his haughty and disdainful attitude towards our group, had passed out of office, I had high hopes of seeing the change for which we had long looked in vain, in the new President, Warren Gamaiel Harding of Ohio, and his administration. I had great confidence in President Harding's zeal and intentions to do the right and just thing by us because a nationally known Negro politician had said to a colored audience-in which I was-"Senator Harding said to me, Bill, all I need is a chance, and I will do many good things for your people. You must vote for me." President Harding's term in office was cut short by his mysterious or sudden death; and his personal and official problems were so many and great that he failed to get around to us. And, then, when Vice-President Calvin Coolidge, a characteristic Vermont Yankee, who had been far removed geographically, from the reach of the people who most oppressed us, succeeded the late President Harding, I felt (while in his presence in his office) now, here is a man who will throw his strength and weight in the direction of simple justice. But, during his five and a half years of administration, "Silent Cal" was MOST silent, so far as lifting up his mightly voice against the wrongs, which we were suffering, was concerned. For all practical purposes, he left us just about where and as he had found us. (6) And then, when the Honorable Herbert Hoover was elected, my hopes again soared to lofty heights for the reasons that: 1st. He was a Quaker, a member of a religious group who believe in simple honesty, truth, right and justice; and 2nd, He had lived and worked with people in many parts of the world, and would therefore be immune to racial and color prejudice; and 3rd, I had heard that he had been a poor orphan boy, and had learned to sympathize with the underprivileged. But, in spite of my favorable opinion of him in the beginning, President Hoover finally left me thinking of him as a man who felt that he belonged to a superior race of human beings; and as a man who was not interested in bringing an end to the disfranchisement, Jim-Crowism, discriminations and injustices which caused his colored fellow Americans to groan and suffer. To President Herbert Hoover's two followers into the Presidential office. Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vice-President Harry S. Truman, whose words and deeds are still fresh in our memories, we owe a great debt of gratitude and praise for waht both of them, both did and tried to do towards helping us into our rightful and undeniable heritage as American citizens. But after having done their best-and through no fault of their own-we still find ourselves groaning under the burdens of many ancient and undeniable wrongs. We agree with the pre-election Republican orators that "It's time for a change," but we enlarge upon it and say that, "It's time for the KIND of change" that will enable ALL Americans, without regard for race, color, creed or place of origin-to enjoy all of the rights and privileges-blessings and benefits with which God has so abundantly endowed our country. (7) Now, if we are desirous that such a change might be brought about; we are not to depend alone upon the capricious wills of mere unaided men, (however friendly they may be, or seem to be) but we must pray to God to enlighten, inspire and guide our new President and Congress, to the end that they may sincerely do their utmost to enable ALL of us to lead quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and honesty. We must pray that our President and all that are in authority might be led to realize that God alone, Who is over all, has providentially brought them into power-"for such a time as this," and We must pray that they might understand that they are God's stewards and that they must render an accounting of their stewardship unto Him and not unto fallible, short-sighted political partisans, who have little regard for the doing of the will of the Father of us all; and We must pray that they might not lean unto their own understanding but seek that unerring guidance of the Holy Spirit, to the end that, in their labors, they might please God, bless their fellow countrymen and win for themselves the soul-satisfying gratitude of their generation; and We must pray that they might be-not just nominal, but true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ- Who ever leads against the powers of sin and all unrighteousness. If we had as many Communists in authority as we have professing Christians, they, in their zeal, would stamp out all anti-Communism and speedily change our whole way of life. May God bless our President-Elect, and all that are in authority, and all of our people, to the end that all of us may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty. (8) WILLIAM LANGER, N. DAK.,CHAIRMAN ALEXANDER WILEY, WIS. WILLIAM E. JENNER, IND. ARTHUR V. WATKINS, UTAH ROBERT C. HENDRICKSON, N.J. EVERETT McKINLEY DIRKSEN, ILL. HERMAN WELKER, IDAHO JOHN MARSHALL BUTLER, MD. PAT MC CARRAN, NEV. HARLEY M. KILGORE, W. VA. JAMES O. EASTLAND, MISS. ESTES KEFAUVER, TENN. WILLIS SMITH, N.C. OLIN D. JOHNSTON, S.C. THOMAS C. HENNINGS, JR., MO. United States Senate Committee On The Judiciary February 18, 1953 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 654 Girard Street, N.W. Washington 1, D.C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: This is to acknowledge and thank you for your kind invitation to the farewell reception in honor of your executive secretary, Mrs. Annie Stein. However, I am sorry but I shall be unable to attend the reception. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Sincerely, William Langer I am suree sorry! Your friend Bill WL:it UNITED COMMUNITY SERVICES of Washington MEMBER NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA COMMUNITY CHEST FEDERATION 1101 M ST., N.W., WASHINGTON 5, D. C. DECATUR 2-7330 OFFICERS CHARLES C. GL OVER III President MRS. HENRY GICHNER 1st Vice President DAN H. WHEELER 2nd Vice President JOHN B. DUNCAN 3rd Vice President G. HOWLAND SHAW Secretary ALFRED H. LAWSON Treasurer EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CARL E. AUVIL MRS. HENRY A. BARTLETT F. ELWOOD DAVIS PATRICK M. DEMING HUGH K. DUFFIELD GEROGE G. FLEMING W. HERBERT GILL WILLIAM J. HAGGERTY JOHN S. HAYES MRS. ANNA ARNOLD HEDGEMAN EUGENE E. JUSTER MRS. LEAH LILLYWHITE LAWRENCE M. NATHAN ROBERT LEE O'BRIEN, JR. DUANE M. PAUL MRS. CHARLES RUNYON, III RUSSELL W. SCHNEIDER EDWARD E. SCHWARTZ MRS. MAXWELL STOKES MRS. HESTER G. STOLL JOHN L. C. SULLIVAN WALTER TOBRINER DR. VICTOR J. TULANE GLENN E. WATTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FERDINAND V. GRAYSON ASST. EXEC. DIRECTOR ISADORE SEEMAN February 18, 1953 Dear Board Member: We are enclosing for your information a copy of the program for the forthcoming Board Members Institute, which as you will note, is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 4th, at the Young Women's Christian Association, 17th and K Streets, N.W. We have made every effort to arrange a particularly interesting and informative meeting this year, and hope you will reserve the date on your calendar. The first half of the program will consist of what is known as "role playing," with a complete "cast of characters," many of whom will be familiar to you, in your experience as board members of Red Feather and other public and private agencies. In addition, G. Bowdoin Craighill, Jr., Attorney, (McKenney, Flannery, and Craighill) and Cody Pfanstiehl, Director, Press Information and Audience Promotion, (WTOP) will discuss in a more serious vein two subjects which concern all of us in our work, namely, "Finance and Personnel" and "Public Relations." Both of these speakers will have authoritative ideas which we are sure will stimulate our year-round services to the community. Will you indicate on the enclosed card your intention of attending this annual Institute and return by February 27th? We shall look forward with pleasure to seeing you at that time. Sincerely yours, Samuel F. Higger, Chairman (President, Jewish Social Service Agency and Foster Home) Mrs. Charles Runyon, Chairman Volunteer Services Department PLANNING FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH, WELFARE, AND RECREATION Washington, D.C. February 19, 1953 Dear Member and Bulletin Friends, If you attended the last meeting of the College Alumnae Club you enjoyed an evening which was both informational and inspirational. The brief business session was planned to give our guests an insight into our activities program. The coffee hour afforded an opportunity to meet our guests and know them. Please urge their membership. A letter of acknowledgment from the D.C. Recreation Department expresses appreciation for your contribution to the three hundred pairs of Christmas mittens which they sent to the children in Korea. I, too, am grateful to you for your cooperation in this project. If you were financial as of May 31, 1952, you should have received a recent copy of the revised constitution of the N.A.C.W. If you have not received your copy, please notify me immediately. If you have received this document, please bring it along with paper and pencil to our meeting. During our workshop period we shall analyze it with a view of accepting it or recommending necessary changes to be made at the meeting of the National in April. Please send to me on or before March 10, 1953, a one-page coverage of the high points in your personal program. I would like to include this material in my annual report to N.A.C.W. Executive committee meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 1953 at 8:00 p.m. Each executive officer is urged to attend. Sincerely, Florence L. Toms President -------------------------------------- The College Alumnae Club of Washington, D.C. Monthly Bulletin VOLUME III, Number 5 February, 1953 President -- Mrs. F.L. Toms Editor -- Mrs. E.B. Smith Corresponding Secretary -- Mrs. B.K. Williams Date: Saturday, February 28, 1953 Time: 8:00 P.M. Place: Y.W.C.A. Annex, 1719 13th Street, N.W. Agenda: 1. Payment of dues 2. Committee reports a. Human Relations b. Educational Policies 3. Workshop on National Association of College Women -- Revised Constitution a. Study b. Suggestions and recommendations HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN? Local assessments of seven dollars ($7.00) were due in October 1952. Please mail a check today to the financial secretary, Dr. Evangeline P. Queen, 1424 Girard St., N.E., Wash. 17, District of Columbia Dues have been received from: Mrs. Charlotte B. Gordon Miss Effie Simmons Mrs. Naomi Jackson Mrs. Elsie B. Smith Mrs. Leona Lloyd Mrs. Jessie Thompkins Miss A. Blondel Newsom Mrs. Ovella White Mrs. Dorothy Willis A Scholarship contribution has been received from: Mrs. Juanita H. Thomas WANTED!!!!! A SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT 10 Donations of twenty-five dollars $250.00 15 Donations of ten dollars $150.00 25 Donations of five dollars $125.00 TOTAL $525.00 To which group will you subscribe? Scholarship Endowment Pledges have been received from the following members: Mrs. Louise H. Pack -- $25.00 Mrs. Juanita H. Thomas -- $25.00 Mrs. Florence L. Toms -- $25.00 Will you follow? -------------------------- Our faithful and efficient corresponding secretary, Mrs. Blanche K. Williams, is chairman of the Special Projects Committee of the Southeast House board which is sponsoring a SMORGASBORD (a variety dinner), for the benefit of the Southeast House Building Fund, on Friday, March 13, 1953, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Spingarn High School Cafeteria. The menu consists of all the delicacies imaginable. Let us support this effort. Call Mrs. Williams, LA 6-6040, and make reservations at $1.25. If you would like your name to appear on the ballot for an N.A.C.W. office or committee chairmanship, please notify me as soon as you receive this bulletin. A pair of black gloves was found in the cloakroom after the coffee hours. Please call the president. -------------------------------------- Be sure to register for the door prize upon arrival at the next regular meeting. You'll be there, won't you? There is great need for our forward thinking in terms of the challenging, changing pattern of life in the nation's capital. The College Alumnae Club has a contribution to make. What shall we do? What can we do? Let's help the committee most active with that special aspect of our work! Do come out! -------------------------------------- In this patriotic month, February, let us think of "America, The Beautiful": "O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years -- THine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!" ----------------------------------------- Columbia Polytechnic Institute for the Blind 1808 H Street, Northwest, Washington 6, D.C. Tel: MEtropolitan 2234-35 Retail Sales Division 729-11th St., S.E. Tel: LIncoln 4-1990 February 26, 1953 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington 9, D.C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: As a generous friend of the Columbia Polytechnic Institute for the Blind, we are glad to bring you information about the establishment of our new Retail Sales Division at 729 - 11th Street, Southeast. Your support during the past year helped set up this service for those who "live in the dark". The sales program includes our store where high quality blind-made merchandise is sold over the counter, and from door to door. This market of blind-made products provides more steady employment for the blind worker. Your generous contribution would again be appreciated as we carry forward this broadened program. Thank you once more for your splendid cooperation. Sincerely, Page Hufty President PH: REG Enc. [Ca 2-53?] Dear Mrs. Terrell, At long last I got around to clipping some of the papers which I have here in my office, so I am forwarding on to you some of the things which I have written about you and your wonderful work. I am sure that there are many more articles in the other stack of papers which I still have to go through. Hope these little articles meet your approval. You'll be hearing from me again soon. Sincerely, Alice Alice A. Dunnigan Title of Newspaper: The Black Dispatch (National Edition) Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Date: February 7, 1953 Price: 10 Cents Note at the top: YMCA ANNIVERSARY-Sunday a year ago, throngs gathered at the beautiful $500,000 Fourth Street YMCA which was officially opened to the public. Executive Secretary Meredith Mathews and all his personnel should be commended for the yeoman work done during this first year of operation. The youth center stands as a tribute to the citizens of Oklahoma City who spearheaded its erection and who have continued its support Headline: Truman Best President Since Abe Lincoln Says Mary Church Tyrell Article Title: TRUMAN DID MORE FOR NEGROES THAN AND RECENT PRESIDENT Subtitle: 89-Year-Old Mart Church Terrell Makes Significant Comment on Man From Independence. AGED WOMAN VISITED WHITE HOUSE WITH DOUGLASS (By Alice A. Dunnigan) WASHINGTON-(ANP)-"Harry S. Truman has done more for our group than any other President since Abraham Lincoln," declared Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, last week, as the ex-president bid farewell to the nation's capitol. Mrs Terrell, an 89 year old civic leader, was an ardent Republican until the District Democratic primary... Black Dispatch Jan 31, 1952 Journal, THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS GIVES APPROVAL OF RESTAURANT JIM CROW IN CAPITAL OF NATION Declares "Lost Laws" of 1872 Invalid After Studying Case More Than One Year SISTER OF BOB CHURCH IS PLAINTIFF IN CASE Washington -- (ANP) -- Jim crow has been permitted to "rule the roost" in Washington restaurants by authority of the United States Court of Appeals here. After more than a year's deliberation on the validity of the "lost laws" of 1872 and 1873, prohibiting segregation in restaurants in the District of Columbia, the court decided Thursday by a 5-4 vote that the old laws are invalid. The "lost laws" were brought to a test when Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, the Rev. Arthur Elms and Miss Essie Thompson filed a suit against Thompson's restaurant February, 1950 for refusing to serve them because two members of the party were colored. This, they claimed, is a violation of the law passed on June 20, 1872 which specifically states that "any restaurant keeper or proprietor, any hotel keeper or proprietor ... refusing to sell or wait upon any respectable, well behaved person, without regard to race, color or previous condition of servitude ... shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor ... shall be fined $100 and shall forfeit his license as keeper or owner of a restaurant, hotel..." Another law passed in 1873 made it a violation for restaurants, but omitted hotels, to discriminate in any one of several ways against "any well behaved and respectable person or persons..." The Thompson restaurant case was dismissed in July, 1950 by Judge Frank Myers of the Municipal court, on the ground that the law had been "replaced by implication." The case was then carried to the Municipal Court of Appeals. This three-judge court by a vote of 2-to-1 reversed the decision of Judge Myers and decided in May, 1951 that the act of 1873 is valid when enacted and has not been repealed. Thompson carried the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals where it was argued before all nine judges of that court on Jan. 7, 1952. After studying the case for a year and 10 days, the appeals court handed down the decision, reversing the ruling of the lower court. The majority opinion was written by Chief Judge Harold M. Stephens and concurred in by Judges Bennett Champ Clark, Wilber K. Miller, and James Proctor. Judge Prettyman concurred with the result but wrote a separate opinion. The dissenting opinion was written by Judge Charles Fahy and concurred in by Judge Henry W. Edgerton, David A. Bazelon, and George T. Washington. The court claimed in its decision that Legislative Assembly, governing body of the District of Columbia at the time, was not empowered to enact the laws. But, it held, if the laws were valid at that time, they were repealed in a 1901 codification of the laws. It further contended that "the enactments having lain unenforced for 78 years in the face of a custom of race disassociation in the District, the decision of the Municipal court authorities to enforce them now, [LINE(S) MISSING] Anti-Discrimination Laws, said: "I consider the majority decision in the Thompson Restaurant case a tragedy for the United States. The four-fifths of the world's population who are colored peoples will be shocked by this ruling and by the moral justification given to the evil of segregation laws by the highest court in the District of Columbia." Especially is this trut today, continued Mrs. Terrell's statement, "when every high official in the land has pledged the end of this evil and when the people of this country have declared themselves for the end of segregation in the Nation's Capitol." This decision declares that a municipality pass "jim crow" laws with full authority on the grounds that such laws "preserve peace and good order," but may not pass anti-segregation laws since they "cannot be justified as an aid of the preservation of peace and order." Segregation notoriously promotes tension and racial strife - not peace and good order, commented Mrs. Terrell. She also expressed serious doubt that home rule in the District of Columbia would ever be established since the court decision questions the right of congress to delegate any of its authority to pass municipal legislation. --- SISTER OF BOB CHURCH THINKS TRUMAN DID MORE FOR NEGROES THAN ANY RECENT PRESIDENT 89-Year-Old Mary Church Terrell Makes Significant Comment on Man From Independence AGED WOMAN VISITED WHITE HOUSE WITH DOUGLASS (By Alice A. Dunnigan) WASHINGTON -- (ANP) -- "Harry S. Truman has done more for our group than any other President since Abraham Lincoln," declared Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, last week, as the ex-president bid farewell to the nation's capitol. Mrs. Terrell, an 89 year old civic leader, was an ardent Republican until the District Democratic primary last August when she deserted the GOP to vote for Averell Harriman because he had pledged himself to carry out the New Deal of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Fair Deal of Harry S. Truman. She praised Truman because of his appointment of a Civil Rights Commission in 1947 which made an extensive study and made a thorough report of segregation and discrimination in this country. She recalled that this commission was appointed and the report made - not after he had been elected - but before the election, at the time when he knew he was jeopardizing his chances for reelection. Mrs. Terrell remembers many Presidents, recalling that she made her first visit to the White House with Frederick Douglass around the early 1890s to urge President Benjamin E. Harrison to take a definite stand against lynching. As President Truman left the Capitol after the Inaugural ceremonies and journeyed to the home of Dean Acheson, retiring secretary of state, he was welcomed by a huge crowd of men and women and children who had gathered around the steps of the Acheson's residence. The outgoing President and his party entered the house, then Truman came out and spoke to the cheering crowd. When he reminded his audience that he is now only Mr. Truman, a citizen from Missouri, the crowd yelled in concert, "No, no, no." After lunch with his cabinet, Mr. Truman went to the apartment of Matt Connelly, his former secretary, before leaving Washington for his home in Independence, Mo. When Truman pulled into Union station later to board the 6:30 train, thousands of persons were at the station to bid him farewell. Some 5,000 persons gathered around his train yelling good wishes and singing "For he's a Jolly Good Fellow" and other appropriate songs. "I'm never forget this if I live to be a hundred," said Mr. Truman, as he thanked his well-wishers for sending him home in such "a blaze of glory." Some carried place cards to inform the ex-President that "We're still Wild About aHrry." Everybody sang "Auld Lang Syne" as the train finally pulled out of Union Station many minutes behind schedule. Crowds had gathered all along [LINES MISSING] More than several representative illustrated the advantages of adopting their books to be used in the different schools. Other schools in Wagoner county were present at the meeting. Superintendent Haynes and his teachers were well received along with the other educators. Each teacher gained valuable information and suggestions concerning the adopting of textbooks for their students. (missing words)director of Janie Porrett School at Peaks and (missing) of the National Asso- of Training Schools in the States and Canada. Terrell was awarded for (missing letters)rageous leadership during of 1952 in removing the (missing) of racial segregation in (missing)on's capital. NCNW held workshop and meetings in Washington last with th regional directors, (missing)cal council presidents and program department instead (missing)aing the annual convention scheduled this time. National convention in the will be held bi-annually. emphasis of the workshop was placed on the pro- development and co-ordina (missing lines) .... the "lost laws" of 1872 and 1873, prohibiting segregation in restaurants in the District of Columbia, the court decided Thursday by a 5-4 vote that the old laws are invalid. The "lost laws" were brought to a test when Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, the Rev. Arthur Elms and Miss Elise Thompson filed a suit against Thompson's restaurant February, 1950 for refusing to serve them because two members of the party were colored. This, they claimed, is a violation of the law passed on June 20, 1872 which specifically states that "any restaurant keeper or proprietor, any hotel keeper or proprietor...refusing to sell or wait upon any respectable, well behaved person, without regard to race, color or previous condition of servitude... shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.. shall be fined $100 and shall forfeit his license as keeper or owner of a restaurant, hotel..." Another law passed in 1873 made it a violation for restaurants, but omitted hotels, to discriminate in any one of several ways against "any well behaved and respectable person or persons..." The Thompson restaurant case was dismissed in July, 1950 by Judge Frank Myers of the Municipal court, on the ground that the law had been "replaced by implication." The case was then carried to the Municipal Court of Appeals. This three-judge court by a vote of 2-to-1 reversed the decision of Judge Myers and decided in May, 1951 that the act of 1873 is valid when enacted and has not been repealed. Thompson carried the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals where it was argued before all nine judges of that court on Jan. 7, 1952. After studying the case for a year and 10 days, the appeals court handed down the decision, reversing the ruling of the lower court. The majority opinion was written by Chief Judge Harold M. Stephens and concurred in by Judges Bennett Champ Clark, Wilber K. Miller, and James Proctor. Judge Prettyman concurred with the result but wrote a separate opinion. The dissenting opinion was written by Judge Charles Fahy and concurred in by Judge Henry W. Edgerton, David A. Bazelon and George T. Washington. The court claimed in its decision that Legislative Assembly, governing body of the District of Columbia at the time, was not empowered to enact the laws. But, it held, if the laws were valid at that time, they were repealed in a 1901 codification of the laws. It further contended that "the enactments having lain unenforced for 78 years in the face of a custom of race disassociation in the District, the decision of the Municipal court authorities to enforce them now, by the prosecution of the instant case, was, in effect, a decision legislated in character. That is to say, it was a determination that the enactments reflect a social which is now correct -- else the enactments would have been enforced heretofore." The plaintiff's brief contended that in certain cited cases, laws enforcing segregation have been ruled valid while the question on the validity of anti-segregation laws require extensive study. In reply to this observation the court's decision declared that the ordinances in these cases were in accord with a local custom of racial segregation on account of color and were held valid upon the theory that the custom is upheld for the purpose of preserving peace and good order which would likely be interfered with by racial association. Acting on this theory, the judges declared that "ordinances in aid of the preservation of peace and order are indisputable within municipal power." In commenting on this decision, Mrs. Terrell, the 89-year-old plaintiff in the case and chairman of the Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D.C. ------------------------------------- Anti-Discrimination Laws, said: "I consider the majority decision in the Thompson Restaurant case a tragedy for the United States. The four-fifths of the world's population who are colored peoples will be shocked by this ruling and by the moral justification given to the evil of segregation laws by the highest court in the District of Columbia." Especially is this trut today, continued Mrs. Terrell's statement, "when every high official in the land has pledged to end of this evil and when the people of this country have declared themselves for the end of segregation in the Nation's Capitol." This decision declares that a municipality pass "jim crow" laws with full authority on the grounds that such laws "preserve peace and good order," but may not pass anti-segregation laws since they "cannot be justified as an aid of the preservation of peace and order." Segregation notoriously promotes tension and racial strife -- not peace and good order, commented Mrs. Terrell. She also expressed serious doubt that home rule in the District of Columbia would ever be established since the court decision questions the right of congress to delegate any of its authority to pass municipal legislation. --------------------------------------------- Mary Church Terrell Makes Significant Comment on Man From Independence Aged Woman Visited White House With Douglass (By Alice A. Dunnigan) WASHINGTON -- (ANP) -- "Harry S. Truman has done more for our group than any other President since Abraham Lincoln," declared Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, last week, as the ex-president bid farewell to the nation's capitol. Mrs. Terrell, an 89 year old civic leader, was an ardent Republican until the District Democratic primary last August when she deserted the GOP to vote for Averell Harriman because he had pledged himself to carry out the New Deal of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Fair Deal of Harry S. Truman. She praised Truman because of his appointment of a Civil Rights Commission in 1947 which made an extensive study and made a thorough report of segregation and discrimination in this country. She recalled that this commission was appointed and the report made -- not after he had been ejected -- but before the election, at the time when he knew he was jeopardizing his chances for reelection. Mrs. Terrell remembers many Presidents, recalling that she made her first visit to the White House with Frederick Douglas around the early 1890s to urge President Benjamin E. Harrison to take a definite stand against lynching. As President Truman left the Capitol after the Inaugural ceremonies and journeyed to the home of Dean Acheson, retiring secretary of state, he was welcomed by a huge crowd of men and women, and children who had gathered around the steps of the Acheson's residence. The outgoing President and his party entered the house, then Truman came out and spoke to the cheering crowd. When he reminded his audience that he is now only Mr. Truman, a citizen from Missouri, the crowd yelled in concert, "No,. no, no." After lunch with his cabinet, Mr. Truman went to the apartment of Matt Connelly, his former secretary, before leaving Washington for his home in Independence, Mo. When Truman pulled into Union station later to board the 6:30 train, thousands of persons were at the station to bid him farewell. Some 5,000 persons gathered around his train yelling good wishes and singing "for he's a Jolly Good Fellow" and other appropriate songs. "I'm never forget this if I live to be a hundred," said Mr. Truman, as he thanked his well-wishers for sending him home in such "a blaze of glory." Some carried place cards to inform the ex-President that "We're still Wild About Harry." Everybody sang "Auld Lang Syne" as the train finally pulled out of Union Station many minutes behind schedule. Crowds had gathered all along the way as Truman's train moved from Washington back to Missouri, and the greatest ovation greeted him as he arrived at his own home town. Such was the exist of Harry S. Truman from the President of the United States back to the life of a private citizen of Missouri. -------------------------------------- More than several representative illustrated the advantages of adopting their books to be used in the different schools. Other school in Wagoner county were present at the meeting. Superintendent Haynes and his teachers were well received along with the other educators. Each teacher gained valuable information and suggestions concerning the adopting of textbooks for their students. [*..standing by my side at the ...nation desk seeking informa- ....just as I was. One Negro ...helped first because she had ...first, another Negro had ...until I was served, be- ....he had come later than I. ....the same situation in the .... one office. ....I am trying to say is ....The business world has found .... is good business to treat ....zens with the same respect. ....n't any proof that this re- ....was not for ethical reasons ....I am also trying to tell ....airman of the S.P. and R. ....his statement, "I don't ex- ....see in my lifetime Negroes.*] VOICE 3, Nebraska -- Official and Legal Newspaper November 27, 1952 NCNW Honors Mrs. Terrell As "Woman Of The Year" WASHINGTON (ANP) -- Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, outstanding national and international figure of several generations, was honored as "Woman of the Year", at a banquet given recently at Howard university by the National Council of Negro Women. Among others honored by the Council were Miss Helen Gahagan Douglas, former congresswoman from California and eminent actress, who served as principal speaker on the occasion; Mrs. India Edwards, vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee; Dr . Inabel Burns LIndsey, dean of the school of social work, Howard university; Miss Margaret Garrty, interracial secretary of the Catholic Conference of Industrial Problems; Dr. Sadie Peterson Delaney, chief librarian at Veteran's hospital at Tuskegee; and Mrs. Phyllis Stancil O'Kelly, director of Janie Porter Barrett School at Peaks and president of the National Association of Training Schools in the United States and Canade. Mrs. Terrell was awarded for her courageous leadership during the year of 1952 in removing the barriers of racial segregation in ... nation's capital. The NCNW held workshop and study meetings in Washington last week with the regional directors, the local council presidents and the program department instead of holding the annual convention usually scheduled at this time. The national convention in the future will be held bi-annually. The emphasis of the workshop meeting was placed on the program development and co-ordina.... Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.