SUBJECT FILE Southern Conference for Human Welfare, Washington Committee, 1947-48 June 4, 1947 CITIZENS in ACTION newsletter to members WASHINGTON COMMITTEE Southern Conference for Human Welfare 127 B Street, Southeast Lincoln 4820. Volume II No. 8 JOSEPH L. JOHNSON REELECTED WASHINGTON COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Dr. Joseph L. Johnson unanimously re-elected Chairman of the Washington Committee at the membership meeting May 27, at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA Annex. OTHER OFFICERS Other officers elected were: Mrs. Gertrude Rodman, vice-chairman; Mrs. Madeline Donner, secretary, and John P. Anderson, treasurer. Mrs. Donner and Mr. Anderson were re-elected to their posts, while Mrs. Rodman was elevated from the Executive Board. Earlier, the membership passed four amendments to the by-laws, including one giving standing committees representation on the Executive Board. Twenty members were elected to the Executive Board. Because of a threeway tie, the Board was empowered to appoint the two other members from those who tied. HERE'S THE NEW LINE-UP OF BOARD AND OFFICERS: Chairman: Dr. Joseph L. Johnson Vice Chairman: Mrs. Gertrude Rodman Secretary: Mrs. Madeline Donner Treasurer: John P. Anderson Executive Board: Henry Beitscher, Labor Committee Mrs. Ethel Cohen, Membership Committee Karl Gerber, Suffrage Committee Mrs. Fanita Hertzmark, Education Committee Mrs. Theresa Liss, Volunteer Service Committee Stanley McNail, Civil Rights Committee Mrs. Michael Straus, Health Committee Byron Allen Mrs. Virginia Foster Durr Dr. E. Franklin Frazier Mrs. Rosalie Gerber Mrs. George M. Johnson Belford V. Lawson Dr. R. E. R. Lovell Dr. Herbert Marshall Samuel Rodman Palmer Weber Mrs. Mary C. Weitzman Miss Anna Berenson Dr. Thomas Williston Two more members to be appointed by the Executive Board Among the other provisions in Amendments to by-laws passed by the membership were: (1) terms of Executive Board extended from one year to two years, (2) members of Executive Board absent from three consecutive Board meetings without satisfactory excuse to be removed from Board, (3) Administrative Committee elected by Executive Board to function for Board between Board meetings, and (4) nominating committee to be appointed by Chairman with approval of Executive Board, instead of an elected nominating committee. LETTER TO MEMBERS FROM OUTGOING BOARD On behalf of the Executive Board of the Washington Committee, I desire to thank each of our members and our employed staff for their contributions to whatever success we have had in our fight for a better District of Columbia for its entire citizenry. I could not terminate a year as your Chairman without acknowledging to you the most unusual and unselfish assistance which the Board and I have had from Mrs. Mary Weitzman and Mrs. Gertrude Rodman. To them we are especially grateful and hope that the next Board may receive the same loyal and unselfish support. Here is a review of the major activities of the Washington Committee of the Southern Conference for Human Welfare since the outgoing Board took office: REVIEW OF WASHINGTON COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES During the campaign to save OPA, the Washington Committee assumed leadership in setting up the Consumer's Price Defense, under whose auspices a mass meeting was held on the Washington Monument grounds at Sylvan Theatre July 4. BUYERS' STRIKE The Consumers Price Defense staged a one-day buyers' strike July 11. Pickets paraded in shopping districts and distributed leaflets. Several stores closed to join the protest. This set a pattern for similar demonstrations all over the country. The Washington Committee continues Page 2 Citizens in Action work on consumers' problems through the Washington Committee for Consumer Protection. When the nation was stunned by the mass lynchings in Georgia last July, the Washington Committee sponsored a funeral march down Constitution Avenue and twilight funeral services at Lincoln Memorial as a protest and a demand for Federal Anti- Lynch Legislation. 20,000 mourners congregated in this biggest demonstration of its kind ever held in Washington. "ANSWER TO BILBO" A coast-to-coast broadcast, Answer to Bilbo, was arranged by the Washington Committee and broadcast over the 212 stations of the Mutual Network. The Washington Committee was again represented on a second broadcast over the same stations. The Washington Committee took the lead in the fight for a democratic admission policy to George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium, conferred with University president Cloyd Marvin, picketed first performance and worked in other ways against discrimination in the theatre. NATIONAL THEATRE Working with the Committee for Racial Democracy, and separately, the Washington Committee fought to abolish discrimination at the National Theatre. the fight for a democratic policy in both theatres continues. Among the leading organizations in the formation of the Emergency Committee for D.C. Rent Control, we have worked for maintenance of controls at the present levels in the District. We have testified before Congressional Committees, sent delegates to Senators and Congressmen, sponsored a rally and organized and coordinated tenant leagues in the District of Columbia. OUSTING BILBO A petition 184 feet long, signed by voteless residents of the District of Columbia, demanding that Bilbo not be reassigned to the Senate District Committee, was presented to the Senate. The Washington Committee worked actively towards the success of the plebiscite for suffrage in D.C., vigilantly opposing all moves to inject the "race" issue. The Committee set up a Voters' Information Bureau in a downtown store. The committee sponsored a talk by Jennings Perry, former editor of the Nashville Tennessean, now with PM. ANTI-LYNCH CRUSADE The Washington Committee was active in the American Crusade to End Lynching, which held two nation-wide meetings here to demand anti-lynch legislation. The third Annual Dinner at the Statler Hotel April 7, attracted a crowd of more than 400, in spite of attempts made by the Times-Herald to intimidate members. CIVIL RIGHTS PETITION The Committee is now working for a D.C. Civil Rights law, and has more than 1000 signatures on its petition to date. The Washington Committee has made contributions of $100 or more to the Committee for Virginia (SCHW), Committee for Racial Democracy, American Crusade to End Lynching, plus contributions for the maintenance of our national office and for educational work in the South. At the turn of the year it became apparent that it was necessary for the Washington Committee to integrate itself more into the life of the community, and that the Committee should have a definite program for action. The Washington Committee was reorganized and the present committee setup was developed, along with the plans for Community Councils. All committees are either working or in formation, and should become increasingly active during the coming months. Joseph L. Johnson, Chairman F L A S H: SENATOR CLAUDE PEPPER WILL INTRODUCE HENRY WALLACE AT THE WATERGATE JUNE 16. T I C K E T S A R E G O I N G F A S T ORDER YOURS NOW FROM SCHW WATERGATE COMMITTEE, 1307 H St., NW. PRICES: $3.60, $2.40, $1.80, $1.20, and 60cent REMITTANCE MUST ACCOMPANY MAIL ORDERS. WANTED: Volunteers to be ushered at the Watergate June 16. Free admission to Wallace program. Volunteers to contact organizations and distribute leaflets. Phone EXecutive 1960 uopwa 27 October 8, 1947 Citizens in Action Vol. III - No. 1 Newsletter to Members WASHINGTON COMMITTEE Southern Conference for Human Welfare 127 B Street, Southeast - LIncoln 4820. Political Action The Committee for Washington has a fall program. That program is to organize as the major political group in the District of Columbia,so when the vote comes there will be an organization to put up candidates to fight for civil rights, and against discrimination. This is how we started to do the job: The Committee for Washington's plans for the fall include a new emphasis on political action in the District. It was the feeling of the Executive Board that problems such as high prices, high rents and District suffrage require action in the individual communities coordinated with city-wide campaigns. Chapters of the Committee for Washington will be set up in southeast during the next three months. A campaign for return of price control will get under way at a TOWN MEETING, Sunday afternoon, October 12 at 3 p.m., in Friendship House (619 D Street, S.E.). Featured speaker will be Aubrey Williams, Editor of the Southern Farmer. The meeting will be keyed to "What Can You Do About High Prices." As we go into the fall activities, it is well to report on what has been done during the spring and summer months. 1. Preparation and adoption of comprehensive programs for 1947-48; adoption of organization chart and appointment of committee chairmen for new organization. 2. Sponsored with Mrs J. Borden Harriman luncheon to honor Clifford Durr for his service to democracy. 3. Held Annual Dinner April 7th, which brought 400 people and approximately $3, 724.57 funds. 4. Sponsored meeting to honor Claude Pepper at Mrs. Hugh Valentine's residence. 5. Cooperated in Milk Campaign with Washington Committee for Consumer Protection 6. Carried on press release campaign against DAR for their policy at Constitution Hall. 7. Revised By-laws for Committee for Washington and elected new Board for two years. 8. Led campaign against Taft-Hartley Bill with radio programs, and an advertisement in Washington papers urging veto, coupled with sponsoring delegations to call on Congressmen and other activities. 9. Campaigned for federal aid to Health Bill, and for non-discrimination. 10. Undertook freedom of speech meeting at Watergate with Henry Wallace as principal speaker, preceded by luncheon and dinner. Meeting attended by 10,000 and raised approximately $13,100.50 funds. 11. Appropriated $1,000 for Americanism Radio Contest throughout the nation. Contest recording requested by 175 stations; mail returns are in from all parts of the country. 12. Appropriated $2,000 for anti-lynch campaign to be directed by Dr. Clark Foreman. 13. Appropriated $4,000 to pay 1/2 salary of Dr. Foreman, President of Southern Conference for Human Welfare. 14. Held panel discussion meeting on question of permanent FEPC for Federal Government. [More] Citizens in Action Vol. III-No. 1 15. Took telegraphic stand on National Theatre negotiations. 16. Held series of Area Organization test meetings. 17. Undertook to raise money for Interracial Nursery School. 18. Investigated eviction of tenants at L and 19th Streets. 19. Undertook through Educational and Area Organizational Committees the opening of Petworth Playground. 20. Held two general membership meetings addressed by Dr. Clark Foreman, and showed motion picture "Brotherhood of Man" by Dr. Ruth Benedict. 21. Undertook a series of luncheon meetings scheduled for every two weeks for the fall and winter 1947-48. 22. Started intensive organizing campaign in Southeast under direction of Don Rothenberg. WHAT WE NEED NOW The Southern Conference is a membership organization. In its decision to become a political action group, the Committee for Washington has undertaken a tremendous task. It is a job requiring a lot of thought and a lot of steady hard work on the part of its membership. Unless we can do this work together, unless we can show tangible progress towards the goals we have set, we will not win the support we must have to succeed. Therefore, as you plan your winter activities, provide time for this organization, which you have brought this far along the road to success. Pick your committee n o w! Call the office (LIncoln 4820) and you will be notified of the next meeting. Next year we may get the vote in the District of Columbia. M E M B E R S - R E N E W! The Committee for Washington is determined to put up a good fight against present skyrocketing prices. This is vital to all of us. We are all complaining privately, or meekly protesting to our grocers. Growling into our beards is ineffectual. What we need is a concerted shout-loud enough to be heard on Capitol Hill. Shouting takes an organization - organizing needs membership. Member - Be a member! Member - Get a member! Member - REmember! Our New Membership Committee Chairman - Ethel Cohen - EMerson 0929 Co-Chairman - Jeannette Fineman - TAylor 3413 If you have any suggestions, ideas, criticisms, complaints on membership drives, please call us. uopwa - 27 [*Paul Robeson will speak at 1st fall luncheon , October 17, 1947.*] MAKE THIS DATE NOW... SUNDAY OCTOBER 12 3:00 PM $$$$$? "What You Can Do About High Prices" TOWN MEETING at Friendship House 619 D Street, Southeast SUNDAY OCTOBER 12 3:00 P.M. Speaker: AUBREY WILLIAMS Editor: "The Southern Farmer" Former Administrator, N.Y.A SPONSORED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR WASHINGTON SOUTHERN CONFERENCE FOR HUMAN WELFARE 127 B St., Southeast - LIncoln 4820 "DON'T BUY MEAT" WEEK JULY 18-25 THE MEAT CRISIS AND YOU The meat industry promised that meat prices would come down "because of the law of supply and demand." THEY control the supply. WE CONTROL THE DEMAND. Total demand has not diminished! The pattern of demand has changed. A large section of consumers have been priced out of the market and have cut their consumption. But those able and willing to pay today's exorbitant prices have increased their consumption to take up the slack. AS LONG AS THERE ARE ENOUGH CONSUMERS TO ABSORB THE SUPPLY AT CURRENT PRICES THOSE PRICES WILL BE MAINTAINED. Consumers alone can protect themselves, by refusing to buy at present prices and by curtailing purchases. Any substantial and continued drop in total demand will force prices down. THAT IS THE LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND ******************** What are the facts behind the unprecedented levels of meat prices today? 1. During the last 3 months meat production has hit an an all time high. 2. Meat exported is less than quota; not more than 3% of total production and considerably less than for the same period last year. 3. Distribution throughout the country is back to normal. 4. Profits of the meat industry are 5 times what they were in 1939; farm income from livestock and livestock products 40% over what they were last year. Last year an artificial shortage was created to kill government controls. They were killed. Congress and the meat industry assured us that removing government controls would provide ample meat at "reasonable" prices. Their cheerful forecasts have been bitterly repudiated by the situation as it exists today. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR GHASTLY MISTAKE MUST NOT CONTINUE. We must ask, again, with renewed vigor that Congress must take action in curbing the price of the essential food. Congress should investigate the situation and take any steps necessary. ******************** Nationally, the LWS, the National Association of Consumers and the Congress of Women's Auxiliaries are sponsoring "Don't Buy Met" week, - the week of July 18 to 25. Locally, we must put on an effective campaign to educate the housewife. Volunteers will be posted in the major grocery centers on Friday and Saturday, July 18, 19, to sign petitions requesting Congress to investigate the meat situation and to take steps to meet it. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS......PLEASE Call Kathleen Clift, -Emerson 5934 ...TOWARD DEMOCRACY IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL PROGRAM of ACTION 1947-1948 WASHINGTON COMMITTEE Southern Conference for Human Welfare 127 B Street, N. W. 75 Washington 3, D. C. PLATFORM OF WASHINGTON COMMITTEE In a true democracy, all citizens must enjoy the full rights and privileges which are guaranteed by its Constitution. In return, the citizens must assume the responsibilities required, and strive to protect their hard won rights. This organization holds that to achieve the blessings of true democracy in this World Capital, we must attain these goals: 1. For each child, a good home in good surroundings. 2. For each child, a good education in a well-equipped school, under qualified, well-paid teachers. 3. For every person, the opportunity to earn a living wage, and security from loss of income through no fault of his own. 4. For every citizen, a voice in his job, his community life, and his government--local and national. 5. For everyone, equal services, facilities of high standard for the maintenance of health. 6. For everyone, full personal life with freedom of speech, worship assembly, association and opportunity to share the culture and facilities of the World Capital. CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAM The primary civil rights need of the District of Columbia is government for the people, by the people and of the people. Until the people of the District of Columbia have attained the right to select their own officials and representatives, there will not even be a basis upon which to build democracy in Washington. Therefore, the first three planks on the civil rights program are concerned with suffrage and home rule. 1. Representation of the people of the District of Columbia in their National government, including two Senators and an adequate number of Representatives for the population of the District of Columbia, to be elected by the people of the District of Columbia on the basis of majority popular vote. 2. A government of the District of Columbia, with a charter ratified by the people and officials elected by the people of the the District of Columbia on the basis of majority rule. 3. All elections, National and local, to be conducted by secret ballot in strict accordance with democratic election procedure, on the basis of universal adult suffrage. Equality of opportunity for all citizens of the District of Columbia, including: 4. The right of every resident of the District of Columbia to the opportunity to live where he will, to send his children to the nearest school, to choose his own physician and hospital, to compete for employment on the basis of skill and qualification, to equal use of all facilities open to the general public and to participation in the culture of the Nation's capital. 5. Equal justice under law, with fair treatment to all at the hands of the law-enforcement officers and in the courts. 6. An overall civil rights bill for the District of Columbia. EDUCATION PROGRAM 1. Appraisal of existing schools to ascertain the immediate and long range needs for modernization. It is believed that 50% increase in school facilities is necessary to meet minimum standards of health and safety. 2. Reduce teacher load within the standard of 25 children per teacher to provide adequate instruction for each child. 3. Broaden curriculum to fit needs of modern life. It is essential, in order to get along in the world, that education include areas of human living and experience such as citizenship, health, psychology, biology, vocational training and guidance. 4. Raise salaries to provide decent living with $2400 as basic minimum (as recommended by National Education Association) and a respectable maximum salary so competent teachers will stay in profession. Provide equal pay for equal preparation and training in recognition of importance of highly qualified teachers for early years, as these school years are the only school experience for a large percentage of children. 5. Increase recreational facilities in connection with schools to provide more adequate cultural experiences. 6. Immediate elimination of wasteful dual school system by ending discrimination, segregation of pupils, teachers and administration personnel. HEALTH PROGRAM 1. Provide adequate funds to the Health Department for the continued development of its program. 2. Provide adequate facilities for caring for the sick regardless of race, creed, or color. 3. Establish a bureau of hospitals in the District Health Department to coordinate and plan hospital activities, and to provide adequate general hospital facilities for the population of the metropolitan area. 4. Provide adequate special facilities for chronic disease, convalescent care, mental care, health centers geographically accessible for all citizens. 5. Provide adequate training for doctors, nurses, and technicians without discrimination and allow them to practice without discrimination. 6. Provide adequate hospital facilities for private patients without discrimination. 7. Hold a series of conferences in health problems to acquaint the community with facts and marshal support. LABOR PROGRAM 1. Seventy-five cents minimum wage in the District. 2. Increase unemployment compensation to minimum of at least $25.00 for 26 weeks and $30.00 for wage earners with dependents. 3. Establish disability compensation fund for district workers. 4. Extension of unemployment compensation to strikers. 5. Extension of unemployment compensation to employees of federal and District government. 6. Raise payments under District workmen's compensation act to take account of increased living costs. 7. Raise minimum wage for full-time work to 18 years. 8. Create labor department for District of Columbia. 9. Adequate staff and funds for unemployment and compensation boards. 10. Non-discriminatory referrals by U.S.E.S. 11. Jobs to be available to all workers regardless of race, creed, color or political beliefs. 12. Encourage the organization of all district workers into unions of their own choice. 13. Encourage bona fide responsible trade unions in government service and permit government employees to choose their own collective bargaining agents as provided by the Wagner Act for trade unions in private industry. 14. Oppose legislation aimed at organized labor or designed to weaken free collective bargaining. HOUSING PROGRAM 1. A. Enactment of the Taft-Ellender Wagner Act as the first step toward adequate housing program. B. Taylor-Douglas bill to provide rental housing for Vets under $50 per month. 2. Construction, within three years, of 30,000 new permanent dwellings in the Metropolitan area, available at the following rentals or payments: 25% new houses under $35 per month 58% new houses between $35-$55 per month 17% new houses over $55 per month 3. Replacement of the 44,000 dwellings so deteriorated that they are unfit for habitation. 4. Continuation of the pre-war slum clearance program, including implementation of National Capital Housing Authority to construct a minimum of 5,500 permanent dwellings during the next three years. 5. Encouragement of low-cost and industrial housing which has met minimum standards of durability and habitability. 6. Extension of rent ceilings at current levels until the housing shortage has been sufficiently alleviated to maintain reasonable rentals without controls. 7. Substantial reduction in rentals of temporary housing to a level compatible with the quality of the housing. 8. Outlawing of restrictive covenants. 9. Elimination of the color classification from public housing applications and the filling of qualified applications in order receved, without regard to arbitrary distinctions, and the elimination of segregation in public housing projects. 10. Recognition on the part of new permanent housing projects that housing means more than a place to live; projects to be planned and oriented to contribute to a fuller life for all dwellers. WELFARE PROGRAM 1. Simplify and make more effective the administration of public welfare in the District of Columbia (A) Combine all public assistance and provide the framework for efficient and humane operation. (B) Reorganize the Board of Public Welfare, give the required authority where responsibility is carried, and avoid the present delays, duplication, and inaction. 2. Adequate appropriations for public assistance so that: (A) Grants to persons in need will permit the recipient a decent and healthful standard of living at present costs. (B) Increased numbers of persons in need can be provided for promptly, without jeopardizing the standard of assistance for those already receiving aid. 3. Adequate appropriation for foster home care of children so that: (A) Foster parents can be paid an amount which covers fully the cost, including some remuneration for service. (B) Continuing community cooperation in the provision of the kind of care. 4. Personnel and equipment in all departments to carry efficiently the work involved in providing social services for people. 5. A long range programs which puts the emphasis on conserving human resources and providing those conditions which will help to make better citizens and happier human beings. 6. Community understanding and support of government responsibility to provide for the basic needs of its citizens when they are unable to provide these for themselves. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.