SUBJECT FILE [*Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D.C. Anti- Discrimination Laws, minutes 1950 - 54*] COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D.C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS MINUTES Executive Committee meeting, January 18, 1950 Present: Mrs. Kyles, Mr. Sampson, Mr. Pinkson, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Scull, Dr. Spottswood Mr. Palmer, Mr. Forer, Mrs. Stein, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Haywood, Mrs. Harden Mr. Buchanan, Dr. Jernagin, Dr. Dixon. Mrs. Terrell Mr. Forer outlined a possible test case of the 1872 law. There was general agreement that this was a good time for a test case, to be followed by a mandamus suit after a reasonable period of time had been given the Corporation Counsel to act on the complaint. There was discussion of the kind of case to make and it was agreed that the group should be a respectable and distinguished committee of four, that they go during a lull period to a restaurant and that no publicity be given the test until the affadavits are filed. The following agreed to perform the test Mrs. Terrell, Dr. Jernagin, Mr. Scull and Mrs. Geneva Brown, the latter to be asked by Mr. Palmer. A suggestion for a newspaper ad made by Mr. Buchanan was postponed for future consideration. The place, it was agreed, should be a popularly-priced restaurant in the downtown area if the other legal considerations could be met. Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Rein to select the place. The date of the test and the press conference are to be arranged by the secretary. Meeting adjourned 10:30 PM COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D.C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS MINUTES Executive Committee meeting, February 8, 1950 at John Wesley Church Present: Mrs. Terrell, Mrs. Kyles, Mr. Sampson, [Mrs. Ryan], Mr. Scull, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Rein, Mrs. Stein, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Haywood, Mr. Buchanan. 1. Mrs. Terrell and Mr. Scull reported on the test case held on Friday, January 27th at Thompson's Cafeteria, Dr. Jernagin, Mrs. Terrell, Mr. Scull and Mrs. Brown participating. On Monday, Jan. 31 affadavits were filed by the complainants represented by Mrs. Haywood with Mr. Clark King of the Corporation Counsel's office. Mr. King refused to take action on instructions from the Corp. Counsel who says the matter is still under study. 2. Mrs. Haywood read a draft of a letter to the Commissioners protesting the Corp. Counsel's refusal to act. The letter was approved and is to be given to the press. 3. Mrs. Kyles brought up the question of securing Judge Cobb's support for our action. Mr. Rein reported that he had been in touch with Judge Cobb and will discuss the question further with him. 4. Mrs. Stein reported on a visit made by Mr. Rein and Mrs. Stein to Harold Buckles, assistant to Representative Klein of N.Y. asking him to put the Guild Opinion on the 1872 law into the Record together with a brief speech on the dilatory actions of the District law enforcement officials. It was agreed that this should be pursued and that a Committee should also wait upon Senator Neely to ask for an investigation of the enforcement of the 1872 law. Mrs. Stein is to arrange appointments. 5. Further action on test case: At Mr. Scull's suggestion, the Committee agreed to urge all interested organizations to file their own complaints with the Corporation Counsel to build up a large group of cases requiring action by the Corp. Counsel. Mr. Scull also suggested that additional cases involving prominent persons be conducted. Suggestions made were Dr. Mordecai Johnson, Dr. Paul Douglass, Rep. Powell and Dawson, Mr. Ewing. It was greed that all these cases be cleared through the Coordinating Committee with counsel provided as needed through the Committee. Motion (by Mr. Buchanan) Passed that a full meeting be called of all participating organizations and others interested to propose this plan and win cooperation. Mr. Scull volunteered to arrange one team of prominent persons who will file a complaint. Mrs. Kyles and Mrs. Thompson will cooperate on another group. COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D.C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS MINUTES, Executive Committee meeting April 11th, 1950 John Wesley Church 8:30 P.M. Present: Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Mrs. Josephine Kyles, Mrs. Annie Stein,Mrs. M. l Mrs. Margaret A. Haywood, Mr. Mercer S. Sampson, Mr. Oliver Palmer, Mr. Joseph Forer, Mr. Wm. D. Nixon; Visitors: Miss Anne Davis, Rev. Marshall C. Banks, Mr. Charles A. Jackson, Dr. Stephen G. Spottswood 1. Mrs. Haywood reported on the trial held March 31st. She commented on the excellent presentation made by Mr. Clark King; his well documented brief; his clarity in placing before the Court the key question, i.e. that laws against segregation come under the police power. Mrs. Haywood also commented on the tremendous interest in this case as shown by the large audience at the trial. Motion was made and passed that a letter be sent to Clark King complimenting him on the good job of preparation and presentation he did. Mrs. Kyles will draft this letter, for signature by the members of the committee. Amicus briefs, it was reported, came from the Unitarian Church, from the Coordinating Committee, the Natl Lawyers Guild, the Washington Bar Assn, a group of four prominent citizens including Felix Morley, John J. O'Connor, of Catholic University, Canon Richard Williams of the Washington Diocese, and Mrs. Grace Yaukey, Friends, from the Friends Society, the Federation of Citizens Assns, and a later one by the Oldest Inhabitants. Dr. Spottswood addressed the meeting briefly congratulating the Committee on the trial and on the success of the restaurant survey. 2. Mrs. Muriel Paul reported for the restaurant survey committee: On Saturday, April 8th, 35 white and colored volunteers went to 23 restaurants in the downtown area and were served in 14. A detailed report was given of the response in each restaurant. It was decided that this report go to our whole mailing list. (A copy will be attached to these minutes) The Committee was asked to continue its surveying work, to include the following restaurants O'Donnells, New Orleans, Old Mexico. On those restaurants that refused to serve, the following was agreed. Childs: Letter to be sent to District Manager requesting a conference. Kann's: A Committee to wait on Mr. Sol Kann. All other refusing restaurants to receive a letter acquainting them with the fact that complaints may be filed now for future prosecution. It was agreed that we must urge people, both white and colored, to patronize the serving restaurants to prove that opening their doors will bring more business 3. Education Mrs. Stein reported for Mrs. Samols, chairman of the Speakers Comm. that three engagements had been filled in the last two weeks. Mrs. Thompson was appointed in her absence to head an education committee to reach the churches and universities, for statements in support of our program, and similar expressions to their congregations and student bodies Minutes: COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D.C ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS Executive Committee June 13, 1950 8:15 P. M. John Wesley Church Present: David Rein, Foster Wood, Mercer S. Sampson, Mrs. Kim Siberstein, Mrs. Cynthia Anthonsen, Mrs. Dorothy Smith, Mr. Ray Pinkson, Mrs. Selma Samols, Mrs. Randall, Mr. T.B. Johnson, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Mrs. Annie Stein Mrs. Terrell presided. RESTAURANT SURVEY: Mrs. Stein reported for Mrs. Paul The survey on June 3rd concentrated on the Capitol Hill Area. 9 restaurants were covered, served in five. Add new restaurants to list: Chines Lantern, Neptune Grill, Methodist Bldg. Cafeteria, the Virginian. States Restaurant was rechecked and also served. We were refused at Capitol Hill Cafe, Childs and the Little Tavern. In addition State Drug on 17th and Pa. Ave was checked several times and served. Next survey will be held on Saturday, June 24th at Asbury Methodist, 11AM to [?] PM FINANCES: Mr. Sampson reported Miss Anne Davis sent in $10 and $10 was received from the United Electrial, Machine and Radio Workers Union. Mr. Pinkson reported this gave us a balance of about $4.00. Motion made and passed that a finance committee be set up, Mr. Sampson, chairma with Mr. Pinkson and Mrs. Smith t raise more funds. Suggestions to the committee: to ask volunteers and committee members to secure contributions from their organizations and to give personally. A collection was made by Mr. Sampson and $14 was collected. Mr. Sampson left toattend a meeting of the Central Northwest Citizens Assn and returned later in the evening with $11.69 more that he had collected there. The balance at the end of the meeting was $29.98. The secy was instructed to send out letters of thanks. STATUS OF THE 1872 LAW: Mr. Rein reported No decision from the Judge yet. Report received from newspapermen that a research worker has been hired to study the law for the Judge. Several newspapers, including the Daily News had called the Judge's office, but no specific date had been given them for the decision. Mrs. Haywood consulted with Clark King about an appeal in the event of an unfavorable decision. Mr. King said appeal was possible under certain circumstances, depending on the way the decision is made. After discussion it was agreed that the lawyers would study the possibility of appeal after a decision had been handed down by Judge Myers. ADOPT A RESTAURANT REPORT: Miss Johnson reported by letter 87 organizations are being phoned to adopt a restaurant. So far 11 organizations have agreed and some have already started work, sending in regular weekly reports of visits made. Miss Johnson questioned the survey committee's policy of sending out only volunteers of the same sex when groups of two are formed. After some discussion it[s] was decided that the policy was sound, since we do not want to introduce or have to defend any issues other than the issue of refusal to serve because of color. For parties of more than two, it was decided, the sex of the participants does not matter. A motion was made and passed that organizations adopting restaurants be asked to report dates and experiences in full, so that the committee will know whether sufficient work is being done on them; that the restaurant survey seek to cover restaurants not previously checked. On the question raised by Miss Johnson of more frequent restaurant surveys, it was agreed that this be decided by the volunteers themselves. -2- KANN'S BOYCOTT: Mrs. Dorothy Smith reported Mrs. Smith has agreed to act as chairman of a Kann's boycott committee. 97 of the volunteers had been telephoned and 60 had agreed to write letters to Mr. Kann and to spread the word of the boycott to their friends. In addition, the Adopt a Restaurant Committee was reminding all organizations about the Kann's boycott. Mrs. Smith is now working on a list of prominent persons to have them cancel accounts at Kanns and to pay personal visits to him. Mrs. Terrell reported on her visit with Mr. Sol Kann on Saturday, June 17th. After a long discussion with him she secured a committment from him that he would "study" the situation further. It was agreed that the boycott committee do the following: 1. Send a letter to Mr. Kann suggesting that he change his policy and then "study" the effects of the change -Mrs. Stein to send the letter. 2. A delegation of prominent person, with an attorney, see Mr. Kann this week if possible. 3. A complaint be filed with the Corporation Counsel against Mr. Kann if Mr. Clark King is willing to accept it for future prosecution. Persons volunteering to be witnesses: Mrs. Eva Bell, Mr. T.B, Johnson and Mrs. Kim Silberstein. 4. On Mr. Johnson's suggestion, it was agreed that the restaurant survey on Saturday send a large interracial group to Kanns. 5. After much discussion it was agreed, Mr. Wood abstaining from voting, that a circular be distributed outside of Kann's on Friday, June 30th explaining the reason for the boycott. SPECIAL RESTAURANT PROBLEMS: There are five restaurants that need to have special delegations or letters from attorneys, Mrs. Stein reported. Mr. Wood and Mrs. Samols agreed to form a committee to deal with these problems and to arrange conferences with the managers. Meeting adjourned 11 P.M. Minutes of Joint Executive Committee and Restaurant Survey Comm. Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D. C. Anti-Discrimination Laws Meeting, February 8, 1951 Asbury Methodist Church Meeting Opened 8:30 P.M. Mrs. Terrell Presiding Summary of Proceedings and conclusions 1. Status of Case-David Rein : Announced argument on the case set for Feb. 19 at 2:30 P.M. Municipal Court of Appeals, 4th and E St. nw : Possible delay if Corporation Council needs time to file a reply brief. Thompson's brief due Feb. 10. Urged large attendance to indicate widespread interest in case. Can expect decision about three weeks after argument. Reply brief will be filed if necessary by Guild. MOTION-carried: Vote to thanks to the National Lawyers Guild for services of their attorneys Margaret Haywood, David Rein and Joseph Forer. to secure a good attendance at the hearing, it was decided: a) to send a press release to all papers about the 15th of Feb. b) letter to the whole mailing list including review of the history of the case. c) telephoning to personal friends and to all on mailing list volunteers signed up for organization calling Mrs. Samols in charge of phoning all other organizations Mrs. Smith in charge of phoning interested individuals Mrs. Hays in charge of phoning all volunteers d) individual letters to Dr. J. Oscar Lee and Mrs. J. Harper Sibley e) Churches: Mrs. Eloise Smith will arrange personal visits to churches assisted by Mr. Williams, Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Trigg, Mr. Edwards Mrs. White. -all visits to be made before Sunday Feb 18 2. Dime Store Campaign- Randolph Blackwell Woolworth's Grands and Kresges checked and service received, though complaints of slow or discourteous service at Kresges. Murphy's (F St.) serving well downstairs. Two out of cases of refusal upstairs. N.E.: McBride refuses, Kresge, bad service, H.L. Green OK, Woolworth's-No ACTION decided upon: a. Kresge : Committee set up headed by Mr. Walter Williams with Mrs. Trigg Mrs. Eloise Smith and Mr. Edwards to visit the managers of the 11th and G St. Kresge, and the 11th and H St. N.E. Kresge to insist on better of service. If not forthcoming, a letter to be sent to Pittsburgh. Committee will also see the manager of the Woolworths at 11th and H N.E. b. Murphy's : Survey to continue intensive testing before further action is taken. c. Neisaners : Committee to be set up to see manager on Friday Afternoon (2/16) Rev. Jernagin, Mrs. Terrell, Mrs. Kyles c. McBride's : Mrs. Stein to make up a committee to see manager next week. Rev. Jernagin reported that he had seen the head manager for the District (Kresge) in Pittsburgh and congratulated him on his change of policy. Mrs. Kyles recommended that Cathay Restaurant be checked-Mr. and Mrs. E. Brown will do. Mrs. Jernagin suggested Jordans at 12th and G be checked-Saturday survey will do. 3. Other restaurants surveyed: Annie Stein Feb 8 meeting continued November list being checked. Ten more restaurants still to be checked. Next survey Feb. 10th. New list to be printed as soon as all on old list are checked. Special problems and action taken: SCHULTES's: delegation saw Mr. S[?]aneman. He said that N.Y. office had ordered a change of policy back to a discriminatory one. Decided: to send a letter from an attorney to the N.Y. office STUART PRESS CAFETERIA: Sample survey of three floors of press bldg showed 68% in favor of or not objecting to a nondiscriminatory policy in the basement cafeteria. DEcided: Not to complete the full survey. REEVES: refused service; hold until after the argument on the case and then rediscuss LONGCHAMPS; Report received that a new store is opening across the street from the Plaza Theatre. Decided: Send a letter to the N.Y. office asking that policy be non-discriminatory, mention Plaza. Conference plans: Mrs. Dorothy Smith suggested that committe be set up and conference postponed until after hearing. To work with Mrs. Kyles MOTION: passed: letter of thanks to Rev. Spottswood and Rev. Williams for generous offers of use of churches for Committee meetings. [*[ca 4-18-51?]*] COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE D.C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS MINUTES Meeting, April 18th: Executive Committee an Restaurant Volunteers Johns Wesley A.M.E.Zion Church Meeting was opened at 8:30 P.M., Mrs. Terrell presiding Minutes of the meeting of March 13th read and approved RADIO BROADCAST: Mrs. Stein reported that a very good program had been prepared and delivered over Station WOOK, Sunday, March 18 starring Mrs. Terrell, our attorneys David Rein and Margaret Haywood and several volunteers introduced by Randolph Blackwell. TEA: Mrs. Hays reported a successful organizational tea held at her home on Sunday, April 1, attended by over 60 women where the program of the Coor. Comm. was presented by Mrs. Alice Hunter, Mrs. Terrell, Margaret Haywood and Annie Stein. RESTAURANT SURVEY REPORT: Randolph Blackwell reported that three restaurants have been added to our list, McBrides, Rexall's and another Kre[?]ge's. Complaints have been received that Potomac Cafe is not serving. Mrs. Samols and Mr. Williams volunteered to investigate. Restaurant lists are being circulated by N.C. Mutual Life Insurance Co. agents. CHURCH COMMITTEE: Mrs. White reported that a committee has been formed and had elected Mrs. Smith as chairman, including representatives of many churches to visit ministers on the "Sit-down, dont stand up"campaign. FINANCES: it was reported that we have a $15 deficit. McBRIDES: After the Committee warned Mr. Blechman that a picket line was planned for Saturday, March 17th, he agreed to start serving on Monday the 19th. The subcommittee accepted this compromise. Considerable checking was arranged for the week of March 19th and all checkers were served courteously. MURPHY'S AND NEISNERS: Mrs. Stein reported that she had not had any further correspondence with stores pending the outcome of negotiations with Hechts. Considerable discussion was held on whether this was proper. Motion was made and seconded that we pursue negotiations without committing ourselves to boycott action. Motion tabled until after Hecht Co. committee report. HECHT CO. COMMITTEE REPORT: Mrs. Trigg reported that the committee set up at the last meeting had met, with Mrs. Trigg as chairman. Mrs. Stein on instructions from the committee wrote to Mr. Dulcan requesting an appointment. The letter had been turned over to Mr. Schwartz as "his domain" Mr. Scwhartz when spoken to had agreed to make an appointment for the committee with Mr. Dulcan, but two days later said Mr. Dulcan was not interested and that he Mrs. Schwartz did not intend to change his discriminatory policy. The Committee recommended an active boycott campaign with stickers on bill stubs and pledge cards as the major techniques. There was discussion on the motion tabled above. Motion was made, seconded and carried, with three nays, that we continue negotiations with Murphy's and Neisners but conduct and active boycott campaign against Hechts. Minutes; April 18th, continued Motion made and carried that we ask the public to refuse to buy at Hechts, keeping their charge accounts inactive, or cancelling their accounts if they wish. Motion was made and carried that the sticker technique be used and that a double pledge card be distributed. Volunteers were then called for for serving with the Hecht Boycott Committee for reaching organizations and individuals, for publicity work, for speaking telephoning and secretarial work, and for raising funds for the campaign. [* [5-28-51] *] [*Important Save*] MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 28TH-John Wesley Church, 1951 Chairmen: Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1. Report on decision: David Rein reported on the majority and minority opinions of the Municipal Court of Appeals in its decision declaring the 1873 Anti-Discrimination Law valid, as well as the action of the Corporation Counsel in refusing the enforce the law until all appeals are heard and decided. 2. STATEMENT: Mr. Forer read a prepared statement to be issues to the press and to our cooperating organizations and members covering the Court decision, its scope and importance and demanding that Vernon West'S statement be countermanded by the Commissioners or the President or the Congress. It called on the public to make its voice heard opposed to West's statement. After two readings and discussion the statement was unanimously carried. 3. MOTION: A motion was made and carried unanimously that we recognize our debt of gratitude to the Committee of the D.C. Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild for its [origin]Opinion, published in May, 1949 and signed by Joseph Forer, Chairman, Judge James A. Cobb, Daniel Crystal Margaret A. Haywood, the late Charles J. Houston, J.H. Krug and Herbert S. Thatcher, which opinion has been upheld by the Municipal Court of Appeals decision and our gratitude to the three attorneys David Rein, Margaret Haywood and Joseph Forer of the National Lawyers Guild for the devoted and brilliant legal leadership given to the District of Columbia in bringing the Acts of 1872 and 1873 back to active life in the D. of C. 4. DELEGATION TO THE COMMISSIONERS It was moved and carried that the Coordinating Committee arrange a delegation to see the Commissioners to insist that Vernon West enforce the law. Delegation to be arranged by Mrs. Terrell and Mrs. Stein It was moved and carried that a committee be appointed to see the Senators and Congressmen to obtain their help in getting Mr. West's refusal to enforce the law reversed. It was moved and carried that a mailing go to all organizations and individuals and that all other steps necessary be taken to get public protest against West's position to the Commissioners. 5. SURVEY Mr. Palmer moved and motion was carried that we urge the citizens of Washington to seek service in all restaurants now. A motion was made and carried that within two weeks we conduct a survey of all restaurants in the District that refused service in the past. 6. MASS MEETING A Mass meeting has been arranged for June 15th at Metropolitan Baptist Church: Co-chairman of the Arrangements Committee; Rev. E. C. Smith and Rev. C.T. Murray. The Comm. is composed of Mrs. Terrell, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Fisher, Mrs. Eloise Smith, Mrs. Alice Trigg Rev. Jernagin and Mrs. Stein. Mrs. Terrell has secured the sponsorship of 20 leading ministers to the meeting. Mr. Herndon, Chairman of the Victory Celebration Committee, reported that the Committee recommended that the Victory Celebration be tied in to the mass meeting, including a protest against Vernon West's refusal to enforce the law, instead of limiting the meeting to the Hecht boycott. It was suggested that the program include a presentation of the lawyers who worked on the case and of the complaining witnesses in all the cases ; a talk by Margaret Haywood on the case and a presentation of the active leaders of the Committee. These proposals were referred to the Mass meeting committee for decision. HECHT BOYCOTT: Mrs. Trigg reported that the boycott is continuing in good strength. Although the decision was won, it will be necessary for us to continue the boycott until Hecht's is serving everyone. A motion was made and passed that a telephone call be made to Mr. Samuel Hecht informing him that he must now comply with the law. CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE LAST MEETING Dr. John J. O'Connor $ 5.00 Dr. Norman W. Harris 5.00 Dr. Ethel M Sutton 10.00 Mildred H. Capmbell 2.00 Williana C. Hicks 3.00 Marshall Hts. Civic Assn 3.80 Vt. Ave. Baptist Church 29.68 C. E. Behre 3.00 Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority 10.00 Evelyn D. Tymous 5.00 Juanita H. Thomas 3.00 Rep. Adam Clayton Powell 25.00 Cooks, Pastry Cooks #209 10.00 Josephine C. Smith 1.00 Mrs. Julia Fickling 1.00 Barristers Wives 10.00 United Cafeteria Workers 25.00 BibleWay Church of Christ 5.00 Petworth Civic Assn 10.00 Miss Annalee Stewart 1.00 Mrs. B. Kasmir .50 Minutes June 15th Mass Meeting Committee Tuesday, May 29th, 1951 -- 8:15 pm Library, Vermont Avenue Baptist Church Chairman: Mrs. Mary Church Terrell Secretary: Mrs. Annie Stein Present: Mrs. Mary Church Terrell Mrs. Annie Stein Mrs. E. Smith Mrs. B. Watkins Mrs. A. Trigg Rev. C. T. Murray Rev. E. C. Smith Mr. Edward E. Fisher Mr. Oliver R. Palmer The Committee met to formulate a program for the proposed June 15th Mass Meeting. The following points were discussed and agreed upon and are recommended to the full committee for approval. 1. Scope of Mass Meeting In view of the recent decision of the Municipal Court of Appeals upholding the 1873 Act, and also in view of the adverse public position taken by Vernon West, Corp. Counsel, the Mass Meeting Committee recommends that the scope of the meeting include the following: a. Court victory celebration b. Hecht boycott c. Protest against Vernon West for refusing to enforce the law until all appeals are made. 2. Program of Mass Meeting a. All sponsoring Ministers to be seated on the rostrum b. Rev. E. C. Smith to open meeting c. Invocation by Rev. R. W. Brooks d. Introduction of Rev. C. T. Murray as the presiding officer of the meeting ----- by Rev. E. C. Smith e. Brief history of case by Attorney Margaret Haywood f. Address by Mrs. Mary Church Terrell g. Remarks by Rev. R. M. Williams h. Remarks by Mr. Oliver T. Palmer i. Action program - Mrs. Annie Stein j. Benediction ---- Rev. W. Jernegin 3. Publicity a. Mrs. Stein to be responsible for having posters printed. b. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Palmer to distribute posters to the churches of the sponsoring Ministers c. Mrs. Stein to contact Tomlinson Todd for spot announcement on radio d. Mrs. Smith to contact Rev. Smallwood Williams re. announcement of mass meeting on his broadcast e. Mrs. Smith to contact sponsoring Ministers to request time for speakers for Sunday, June 3 or Sunday, June 10th g. Mrs. Watkins to send to all sponsoring ministers (a) a copy of the Coordinating Committee's statement re. Vernon West, (b) list of sponsoring Ministers (c) cover letter to sponsoring Ministers requesting their fullest participation 4. Proposed Action a. A delegation of Ministers to the Commissioners b. A delegation of Ministers to Hecht's Next meeting of the Mass Meeting Committee will be on Tuesday, June 12th, 1951 8 pm in the Library of Vermont Avenue Baptist Church Minutes of the meeting of THE HECHT BOYCOTT COMMITTEE July 11, 1951 at 1015 M Street N.W. Mrs. Annie Stein presided in the absence of Mrs. Terrell and Mrs. Trigg Secretary's report: Mrs. Stein reported that the appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals had been accepted, but that the case would not be heard until winter or spring of 1952. She also reported that complaints had been filed with the Corporation Counsel's office by Mr. Wm. D. Nixon and Mr. Walter Williams for refusal to serve by the Hecht Co. HECHT BOYCOTT PLANS: A motion was made and carried that we conduct a 2 hour picket line each week during July and August in front of the Hecht Co. The hours agreed upon were Friday from 4:00 PM to 6 P.M. Mr. Robert Smith, assisted by Mrs. Eloise Smith, were elected to be in charge for the months of July and August. The first line is to be formed on Friday, July 20th with the following volunteering to picket: Mr. Williams, Mr. Verdie Robinson, Mr and Mrs. Robert Smith, Mr. Randolph Bickwell, Mrs. Annie Stein, and three persons to be appointed by the Cafeteria Union (Mr. Oliver Palmer's pledge) A committee consisting of Mrs. Elliot, Mr. Williams, Mr. Blackwell and Mr. Smith to be in charge of writing the slogans and having the placards and leaflets prepared. A motion was made and defeated that Mr. Shine be authorized to have a committee from his organization reopen negotiations with the Hecht Co. informing them that picketing was being planned. It was decided instead that the Hecht Co. not be informed of our plans, but that efforts to negotiate be encouraged after our picket line has been established. A motion was made and passed that a delegation of the ministers sponsoring the mass meeting be organized to visit the Hecht officials. The Church Committee was instructed to arrange this. The Church Committee, Mrs. Eloise Smith and Mrs. Arline Hays in charge, were also instructed to call all the sponsoring ministers and request that they appoint three members to assist in the picketing. A motion was made and passed that a restaurant survey be conducted during the week, checking on all the old restaurants and as many more as possible, to enable us to print a new restaurant list by August 1. It was agreed that a sit-down at Hechts be conducted this Friday, July 13. The following volunteered to participate: Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Miss Ellen Williams, Mr. Walter Shine, Mr. Robert Smith, Mrs. Eloise Smith, Mr. Joe Edwards, Mr. Elmer Kyler. CoOrdinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D.C. Anti-Discrimination Laws; Chairman;Mrs. Mary Church Terrell February 17,1952 Formation: The Committee was organized in September,1949,with Mrs Mary Church Terrell as chairman, Mrs.Josephine Kyles as Moderator, Mrs. Annie Stein as secretary, for the purpose of bringing back to life the "lost" anti-discrimination acts of 1872 and 1873. Program: The Committee has conducted a two-fold effort; one, a court action, the Thompson Restaurant Case, where Mrs. Terrell tested the validity of the 1872 and 1873 laws by seeking service at the Thompson Restaurant, and two,-a direct effort to end discrimination by negotiating with managers maintaining a list of non-discriminating restaurants, and by boycott. Court Action: The Thompson Case was won in the Municipal Court of Appeals last May. A hearing was held in the U.S. Court of Appeals in January and a decision is now awaited. Amicus Curiae in this case were the U.S. government, 22 national and local organizations, 11 prominent persons, the AVC and the Lawyers Guild. All nine judges heard the case. Direct action: The Committee has been successful in ending discrimination in every dime store in the city but one, Murphy's on F St. It took a full year of negotiating, persuading, boycotting and picketing to achieve this [ei] end, but the victory is now secure. In addition, 40 restaurants are now serving all. Department Stores: In an effort to end discrimination on 7th St. the Committee first negotiated with Goldenberg's which agreed to serve early in 1950. Kann's was boycotted for four months and finally agreed to serve in July 1950. The two remaining stores on 7th St. were Hecht's and Lansburghs. Negotiations were opened with Hecht's in February, 1951. Hecht's; After month's of negotiations, the management of Hecht's refused to change its policy of discrimination. A boycott was declared on May 1, 1951. On July 20th a picket line was started. We picketed the store three days a week for SIX months. Finally, on January 14th, 1952, Hecht's gave up and have since been serving without discrimination. It is estimated that they lost thousands of [dollars] customers and $6,000,000 because of the boycott. Lansburgh's; Negotiations have just been begun with the last department store on 7th St. that still discriminates. The manager, Mr. Ralph Goldsmith , is adamant and even reluctant to meet with a committee to discuss the matter. Impotance to Philadelphia; This store,Lansburgh's,is owned by Albert M. Greenfield, Chairman of the board of the City Store Chain, sponsor of the Albert M. Greenfield Center for Human Relations at the U.of Pa. A boycott of Lansburgh's which is inevitable if the manager here persists in his racist attitude will cause real embarrassment to Mr. Greenfield, which we would like to prevent through an early and amicable resolution of the issue. Lansburgh's has both a lunch counter and a tea room both of which should be open to all Lansburgh's customers , of whom about 40% are colored. [*[ca 3-16-53?]*] Minutes of meeting of the Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D. C. Anti-Discrimination Laws The Coordinating Committee met March 16, 1953 at Cafeteria Hall - 1015 M St., N. W. with Mrs. Terrell presiding. Minutes of previous meeting and of the Executive Committee meeting were read and approved. Treasurers Report: Mr. Nixon gave the following report - On hand Feb. 28 276.12 Received March 5 60.00 Total 336.12 Expenditures $80.00 25.00 31.88 Total 136.88 Balance on hand March 16, 1953 $199.24 The Chairman appointed the following persons as members of the Nominating Committee - Mrs. Alice Trigg, Chairman Mr. Rein Mr. Robert Smith Mr. E. Fisher Mr. Verdie Robinson Mrs. Hasel Jones Mr. Charles Jackson Mrs. Whitfield Mr. Eli Horowitz Report on the Stein Reception Mr. Robinson gave a partial report on the reception Total receipts 423.00 Expenditures 403.08 Balance on hand 19.92 Detailed report attached. Survey Committee Report - Mrs. Day stated that plans were complete for a survey Saturday, March 21 from 12 noon to 3 PM with Asbury Center as headquarters. She urged all members to participate. Petition Campaign Report - Mr. Palmer reported that the committee was still working and that the Methodist ministers prefer not to continue the campaign in light of Atty. General Brownells recent action. 2 Mr. Rein turned in two petitions signed by residents of Chicago and other places. Mr. Blackwell reported that more than 6000 signatures had been returned to the office. He stated that he had 5000 still on hand and was interested in getting them distributed, however, at the present time the committee is making every effort to have those petitions already distributed returned. Mr. Whitfield reported that to date 861 signatures had been secured on eht street. Mr. Russell proposed copying names of signers of the petitions for future use in informing people of existing conditions in D. C. Mrs. Terrell appointed Mr. Russell, Chairman along with Mr. Blackwell, Mr. Whitfield, Mr. Fisher and Mr. Palmer to decide [?] procedure for this proposal. Mr. Rein commented on the brief filed by the National Government asking the Supreme Court to hear our case (Thompson Restaurant) . He feels we may hear from the court in April. Mr. Nixon reported receipt of an additional $72.50. Mr. Jackson moved adjournment. Respectfully submitted, Geraldine D. Elliott, Recording Secretary June 9, 1953 Special Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D. C. Anti-Discrimination Laws. Mrs. Terrell presiding. Cafeteria Hall 1015 M St. N.W. Mr. Forer read a statement of the Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D. C. Anti-Discrimination Laws as of June 9, 1953 and moved that this statement be sent to the District Commissioners, the District Corporation Council and released to the press. This motion was seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried. Mrs. Samels moved that a cover letter including statement of our policy be mimeographed and mailed to our entire list. Motion seconded and carried. Mr. Caplan moved that the complainants go to Thompsons Restaurant on Friday or as soon as convenient - dine - have picture made - then write letter to the Corporation Council stating our desire to drop the case. Motion seconded. Mr. Nixon amended the motion to read that the cost of the meal be on the committee. The amendment was accepted and the motion carried. Mr. Blackwell moved that a committee be named to arrange for a victory celebration. Motion seconded and carried. Mr. Nixon moved that the committee arrange to have Mrs. Stein at the Victory meeting and a copy of the minutes of this meeting be sent to Mrs. Stein. Motion seconded and carried. Mr. Forer moved that the body adjourn. Respectfully submitted Geraldine D. Elliott, Recording Secretary [*6-25-53*] Minutes of meeting of the Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D. C. Anti-Discrimination Laws. 1015 M. St., N. W. ---- June 25, 1953 ----- Mrs. Terrell presiding Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Mrs. Terrell asked Mr. Forer to clarify "What the case decided" Mr. Forer stated that the 1873 Law was valid and in effect. That there is no significant difference between the restaurant provisions of the 1872 and 1873 laws. That the question still to be decided is whether the lodging provision of the 1872 law is now in effect. That the dicision is a victory for home rule. Mr. Forer stated further that a letter had been written to the Corporation Council withdrawing complaints, and requesting that the case be dropped. This letter was acknowledged by Mr. Ringold Hart with thanks for the action. Mr. Forer made it clear that private clubs do not come under the provisions of the 1872 -73 laws. He added that the Law of 1869 had to do with theatres. Mr. Rein opened a Discussion --- Where do we go from here? 1. That we try to make alive on books other anti-discrimination laws. 2. That the status of anti-discrimination laws be investigated. Motion; Mrs. Elliott moved that our lawyers investigate the status of other anti-discrimination laws and recommend ways we can best serve Motion seconded and carried. Report of Committee on Victory Celebrations: Mrs. Dora Letcher reported - Place -- Alpha House Date -- July 9, 1953 Time -- 9 - 11 PM Speakers considered - Dr. Ralph Bunch Dr. Mordicia Johnson Dr. Nanny Burroughs Representative A. Clayton Powell She stated that the first two speakers had been contacted but were not available , the last two had not been contacted at this time. Mr. Nixon moved that we authorize the chairman to make personto person calls to Mr. Powell and Dr. Burroughs relative to a speaking engagement on July 9. After some discussion thee motion was tabled. Mr. Forer moved that the committee be directed to proceed with further efforts for the meeting at the Alpha house, that the committee use its descretion in selecting a speaker and that the meeting be held on the date set, July 9, or 2 as soon there after as possible. That the committee stop making efforts to secure national figures as speakers. This motion was seconded and carried. Mrs. Betty Hay offered the following amendment - That at such time we be prepared to launch our new program. Amendment rejected by Mr. Forer. Mrs. Hays asked that her amendment be withdrawn. Mrs. Arline Hays moved that the meeting adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Geraldine D. Elliott, Recording secretary [*[Ca 9 - 3 - 53?]*] Mrs. Selma Samols, chairman of the Theater Test Case Committee called a meeting September 3, 1953. Present, Mrs. Samols, Mr. Rein, Mr. Kaplan, Mrs. Day Mr. Nixon, Mrs. Trigg. The committee offers suggestions on the following: That the test case participants be as follows: Mrs. Mary Church Terrell Mr. Nixon Rev. Jernagin [Dr. O' Connor] Conner Wms. Mrs. Arlene Hays Alternates Rev. C. T. Murray Rev. Allen Washington Fellowship League of Women Voters Mr. Nixon has accepted - all others are to be contacted to ascertain if they will serve - this report should be ready for the September meeting of the Coordinating Committee. Loews Capitol was considered the logical movie house to use in this test case first, it is one of the larger downtown movie houses and second, its policy has been to accept all for the Ballet and the Opera and then discriminate the following day. It was suggested that the Movie Test Case participants make the test on Mrs. Terrell's birthday, September 23, that they have lunch in a downtown restaurant and then proceed to the theater. Mr. Marvin Caplan will take charge of the publicity as soon as definite arrangements are made. [*[Ca 9 - 24 - 53?]*] Minutes of Execitive Committee of the Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D. C. Anti Discrimination Laws. The members of the Executive Committee of the Coordinating Committee met September 24, 1953 at 1015 M St., N. W. The body was called to order at 8:30 P.M. by the Chairman, Mrs. Terrell. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The treasurer, Mr. Nixon, reported a balance of $199.94 on hand. The complaint against the seating policy at the Casino Royal was investigated and after discussing general policy in places of this kind it was concluded that no problem existed. Committee members were urged to make reservations for meals with Mrs. Virginia Fontoni - 1505 Kennelworth Ave., N. E. - LUdlow 1 4000. in order to be in the position to properly present the existing complaint to the Corporation Council. Mr. Rein reported on the press conference of Sept. 24th with Mrs. Terrell, Mr. Nixon, Rev. Jernigan and the following news papers - Star- Daily news - Jewish Telegraphic Agency - Alice Dunnigan of the Negro Press - and others, at which time they discussed segregation in the District of Columbia and broader aspects of the race question . After this report he suggested that we ask for a conference with the manager of Lowes Theater and that those attending the conference be the persons who attended the show on September 23rd. Mr. Robinson moved that Mr. Rein, the executive secretary, be empowered to make plans to confer with managers of Lowes Theater relative to their policy. The motion was seconded by Mrs. B. Hays and carried. Mrs. Betty Hays moved that a Theater Campaign Committee be set up immediately that in addition to the check at Lowes w e simultaneously check the other down town theaters. The motion was seconded by Mr. R. Smith. After a discussion by the group and remarks by Mr. Hein to the effect that Mr. Rein moved that a check be made at Lowes Capitol Theater Saturday night about 8:30 P.M. with circumstances different from the previous visit. Mr. Nixon seconded the motion and it was carried. Mr. Smith and Mr. Haley volunteered to check. Announcement was made of two broadcasts scheduled for Mrs. Terrell on stations WWDC and WOL for Sept. 29 and Oct. 7. Mrs. B. Hayes moved adjournment. Respectfully submitted Geraldine D. Elliot, Recording Secretary Minutes of the Executive Committee of the Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D.C. Anti-Discrimination Laws The Executive Committee of the Coordinating Committee met at 1015 M St., N.W., November 11, 1953 with the Chairman, Mrs. Terrell, presiding. The meeting was called to order at 8:45 PM. Mrs. Hays reported that [10]5,000 brochures entitles "An 80 Year Wait" had been received and that those distributed had been enthusiastically accepted. Mr. Rein suggested that 100 brochures be sent to Mrs. Stein. Mr. Nixon reported that Mrs. Hays and friends had been graciously served at the Iron Gate. The meeting was then opened for general discussion on the status of conditions in the District of Columbia. – Theaters – Restaurants – and Hotels. Mr. Fisher moved that we try very hard to set up committees on employment as proposed at our last meeting in order that they may be in position to make reports at our next meeting. Motion unanimously carried. At this point the following committees and persons designated to work on each were named: 1. CAPITAL TRANSIT Mr. Jackson, Chairman Mr. Fisher Mrs. B. Hays Mrs. Whitfield Mrs. Elliott 2. DEPARTMENT STORES Mrs. H. Jones, Chairman Mrs. Alice Trigg Mrs. Wilma Day Mr. Nixon Mrs. Shipman Mrs. Samols Mrs. A. Hays 3. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE – D.C. Government Mr. Forer, Chairman Mr. Oliver Palmer Mr. M. Caplan Mr. Verdie Robinson Mrs. Margaret Mitchell The purpose of said committees being to explore the employment situation and report back to the full committee in order that we may determine those with which we may negotiate. 2 4. COMMITTEE TO VISIT HOTEL ASSOCIATION Mrs. Terrell, Chairman Mr. Nixon Mr. Palmer Mrs. A. Hays Mr. Rein Mr. Fisher moved that the body adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Geraldine D. Elliott, Recording Secy. Minutes of regular meeting of the Coordinating Committee for the Enforcement of the D. C. Anti-Discrimination Laws. April 12, 1954 - 1015 M Street, N. W. Meeting called to order by the Chairman, Mrs. Terrell. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. Treasurers Report - Mr. Nixon reported a balance on hand of $87.38 . He later added that an outstanding bill of $24.22 was to be paid which would leave a $63.16 in the treasury. Hotel Test Case Report - Mr. Nixon, Mr. Forer and Mr. Caplan reported that contacts and and plans had been made and that May 2, 1954 had been decided as the date for the case. Mr. Rein moved that the report be approved. The motion was seconded and carried. Store Employment Report - Mrs. Trigg reported that a conference was held April 1, 1954 with the manager, Mr. Gross, of McCroys 5 and 10 Store. Mr. Gross said he will take applications but will only hire in the order of the applications, however, at present he is hiring no one. Mrs. Trigg moved that we send a letter to the home office in New York asking that colored people be hired in the capacity of clerks. This motion was seconded by Mr. Nixon with the suggestion that our former secretary who now lives in Brooklyn contact the home office, also that our member, Mr. Forer, who plans a visit to New York do likewise. this motion was seconded and carried. The following persons were name as members of the Recreation Campaign Committee: Mrs. Helen Brown, Chairman Mr. Bernstine Mr. Brown Mr. B. Hays Mr. Eddie Fisher Mr. Cole Mrs. Spottswood Mr. Forer moved that the Recreation Campaign Committee be authorized not only to plan but to carry out plans if same meet the approval of our Chairman and Executive Secretary. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Arline Hays and carried. Mr. Russell moved that we ask members of our committee to attend the April 13th meeting of the Recreation Board at 16th and Lamont Sts., N. W. The motion was seconded and carried. Mrs. Spottswood said she would attend. Mr. Fisher moved that the body adjourn. Respectfully submitted Geraldine D. Elliott, Recording Secretary Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.