THE STUDENT VOICE

Vol. II THE STUDENT NONVIOLENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE April & May Nos. IV & V 197V2 Auburn Avenue, N. E., Atlanta 3, Georgia 1961 SNCC Wires President Kennedy

On May 23, Edward B. King, Jr., Ad­ ministrative Secretary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee sent the following telegram to President John F. Kennedy: TELEGRAM The recent outbreak of mob violence and the massive assault upon free-born American Negro students, who are first class citizens of the United States, as they traveled throughout the cities of the state of Alabama, as inter-state passen­ gers on inter-state buses, is completely unjustifiable. At a time in the history of our great nation, when we are telling the people of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the free world in general that we desire to be their friends, Negro Ameri­ cans continue to be assaulted by the Southern reactionaries. It is a fact, in Alabama, and in the entire South, that the decisions of the United States Su­ preme Court as well as rulings of the Inter-state Commerce Commission, re­ garding the equal treatment of Negro citizens are constantly being denied or circumvented. It is also well established that many Negro students have been beaten, cars burned, resulting in a com­ plete break-down of law and order in the city of Montgomery, Alabama. A threat to our position as a democrati­ cally governed nation abroad prevails at this time and we feel that the office of the President of the UnitPd States.. has failed to make any public statement to the American people, either condemning or upholding this disrespect for an im­ portant segment of this nation's citi­ zenry. We strongly believe that the President has a moral obligation and a legal duty as the Chief Executive of this nation, to speak out against violence. The office of the President cannot re­ main silent any longer on this grave LOUISVILLE - Birdie McHugh, SNCC Member, and others climbing into paddy wagon under arrest after "stand-in" demonstra­ crisis. tion at downtown segregated department store tea room. In view of all these tragic develop­ ments in Alabama, the President must now, more than ever, exercise firm and precise leadership in this, over and above the general direction given the Attorney FOCUS ON LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY General, sweeping power to: "Take all necessary steps to handle the situation." "Integration of downtown public ac­ downtown facilities, and a similar state­ the Committee and the Negro public." Speaking as the South-wide spokesman commodations is not only morally right ment by students and faculty at the It is with pride that "The Student and economically feasible but is also in­ University of Louisville favored integra­ for the student nonviolent sit-in move­ Voice" tells their story. The "Voice" ment, we hereby request that you, the evitable," according to Louisville Mayor tion at two eating establishments near offers its congratulations to the students the campus. There were also expressions President of the United States, speak to Hoblizell. The mayor made this state­ of Louisville, Kentucky for their excel­ the American people on the issue that ment, as he called upon operators of of active support from the Presbyterian lent dedication to see that those rights and Baptist Seminary students. Negro Americans are, in fact, first-class downtown restaurants and theaters to innately endowed all freeborn American citizens of this nation; that they are as discontinue racial segregation by May 1. citizens, are won in our time. At the same time, the mayor called upon One of the student leaders, Miss Bev­ such, entitled to exercise all rights and erly Neal, said "there were many times privileges guaranteed by the Constitu­ leaders of the sit-in movement to dis­ when we felt like giving up. But the continue demonstrations until at least tion of the United States as they seek to things we are working for are too im­ use the various modes of inter-state May 3. portant; we had to keep on." And the travel. And finally, that your high office The mayor's plea is a follow-up of a students are still moving in Louisville. LATE NEWS issue a firm and unequivocal statement trip he made to St. Louis, Mo., with With two department stores, 92 restaur­ Four Negro college students leaders in support of the right of free travel representatives of the Mayor's Commit­ ants and four theatres already open to Wednesday, May 17th, led a suit in Fed­ for all citizens without interference by tee and the Steering Committee which all, the students say they still have a eral Court seeking desegregation of At­ any segment of the American people. directs the demonstrations. The purpose long way to go. They plan to completely lanta, Georgia, parks, swimming pools, of the trip was to observe how desegre­ eliminate racial segregation from the tennis courts, the Municipal Auditorium, gation works in St. Louis, which came City of Louisville, and until this end is :he Murticipal Courts and everything else said eight students-seven Negroes and a as a result of the strong stand taken accomplished, the protests will go on. the city has anything to do with. The white girl-were taken into protective custody. "It is dangerous for you and for by the mayor of that city. There was a hint recently by Negro suit--a sort of broadside against all re­ maining segregation in city facilities of others to stay here," Moore told the Since the demonstrations started in leaders that integration efforts aimed at students. February, more than 651 students have segregated hiring policies would probably every kind-was brought by members of been arrested. By the end of March, be underway soon. Frank L. Stanley, the Committee On Appeal For Human All told, 16 persons were taken into 18 major downtown establishments, in­ Jr., Co-Chairman of the Steering Com­ Rights. custody-14 Negroes, a white man and cluding hotels, theaters, restaurants and mittee, said that Committee was now A racially mixed group of college stu­ the white girl. Ten of them-including department store tea rooms had agreed studying plans for a proposed "Selective dents from Nashville, Tennessee, trying the two white persons-were on the bus to integrate, and a major break through Buying" campaign to be directed only to crack bus station segregation, were coming into town. on other facilities was anticipated. The toward those businesses that refuse to taken to jail Wednesday, May 17th, in The Rev. F. L. Shuttlesworth, president students still were not satisfied knowing hire qualified Negroes as clerks or in Birmingham, Alabama after a tense four of the Alabama Christian Council On that there were numerous public facili­ other capacities than menial. The Rev. hours at the Greyhound terminal. A Human Relations, was charged with inter­ ties downtown where they could not re­ W. J. Hodge also said that the Commit­ gmall number of white persons allowed on fering with an officer and refusing to obey ceive first-class service. They renewed tee would take under consideration a the loading docks by police sent up a an officer. He was released on $50 bond. their demonstrations with larger forces boycott against the Louisville Transit cheer and a round of hand-clapping as The students remain in jail. and with more arrests. In the meantime, Company to hire Negro bus drivers. officers loaded the group into patrol The bus station arrests came shortly prominent white citizens signed a news­ "Employment," said Stanley, "is still of wagons. As the wagons pulled away, the after the group foun ditself stymied in paper ad urging swift integration of all paramount importance to members of students sang. Police Chief Jamie Moore an effort to board a bus for Montgomery. SNCC ONE YEAR OLD SNCC Integrates Atlanta One year ago, April 17, 1960, the Stu­ strations to take place on the first anni­ dent Nonviolent Coordinating Committee versary of the "Sit-In" Movement. White Greyhound was established at the first conference Specifically, SNCC asked that students for Southern "Sit-In" Leaders and focus attention on theatre discrimina­ Northern Student Supporters, held at tion. In eleven Southern cities, students Restaurant Shaw University, Raleigh, North Caro­ walked up to the ticket windows of down­ lina. One month later, the Committee town white only theatres, and requested The following report is a first hand held its first meeting on the Atlanta admission. They were turned away. But account given to "The Student Voice" by University campus, Atlanta, Georgia, it was a big day in the South . . . as it two members of the Student Nonviolent where plans were made to establish an has been a big year. SNCC continues Coordinating Committee, Harold An­ office and secure staff personnel. to call for students to join this, the drews and Frank Holloway, both of At­ Since the birth of SNCC one year "second phase of the student protest lanta, Georgia. ago, we have witnessed growth within movement." "Working under the guidance of SNCC the Committee and we have seen the With a sincere interest to help those on Sunday, May 21, 1961 at approxi­ organization combine the natural and citizens of Fayette and Haywood Coun­ mately 1:30 p.m., we, Frank Holloway spontaneous leadership within the indi­ ties, Tennessee, who demonstrated their and Harold Andrews, successfully inte­ vidual protest groups, to carry out non­ determination to the entire nation, their grated the lunch counters at the Grey­ violent demonstrations against racial right to exercise the freedom of casting hound Bus Station in Atlanta. We were segregation throughout the Southland. a vote in the ballot box, SNCC initiated politely served without incident. How­ We well remE-mber the excellent rep­ a food and clothing drive to assist these ever, there were heavy detachments of resentation the Coordinating Committee free born American citizens, to use thos3 pbinclothed policemen on the scene. Members delivered before the Platform rights guaranteed them in the XV L~ter that afternoon, we boarded a bus Committees of the Democratic and Re­ Amendment to the Constitution. for Montgomery, Alabama, to join the publican National Conventions, calling With SNCC standing behind the belief MAKING HISTORY-These three young other students on the Freedom Ride, for strong civil rights legislation plank.s in "jail versus bail," four Committee Atlanta high school students will be the 1961. The only incident that occurred The Committee worked with jailed and Members decided that since nine students first of their race to attend Georgia In­ bet·,een Atlanta and Montgomery was expelled students throughout the sum­ in Rock Hill, South Carolina, had shown stitute of Technology with other freshmen at LaGrange, Ga., where we attempted mer of 1960 and encouraged the continu­ their determination to remain in jail next fall. Left to right, Ralph Long, Jr., to enter the station. We were met by a ation of protests and the initiation of after being convicted for requesting Lawrence Williams, and Ford Greene. policeman and several other men, and we new and more far-reaching action. With service at an all-white drug store lunch were pushed, hit and kicked out 6f the the opening of the 1960-61 College year, counter, that in good conscience, they station. There were several men around the Committee endeavored to form a had no alternative other than to join Georgia Tech and it is our belief that they passed the more thorough picture of what groups them. So, after the adjournment of the word on that we were two F1·eedom were involved in the movement, what February 5th SNCC meeting, a call came Riders enroute to Montgomery. their plans were, and what their needs from the Committee to ask students to Admits Three Negroes We arrived in Montgomery at 9:30 were. With this in mind, the Committee echo their dislike for racial segregation p.m. and a mob estimated at around held a Southwide conference on "Non­ by joining these students in jail. It is Three Negroes will be admitted with 1,500, met us at the bus station. The violence and the Achievement of De­ significant that students in Atlanta, some 1,000 other freshmen next fall to Federal Marshalls held them off and segregation," October 14-16, on the At­ Georgia and Lynchburg, Virginia went previously segregated Georgia Institute of some twenty of the Marshalls surrounded lanta University Center campus, Atlanta, to jail for long sentences and voiced Technology, President Edwin D. Harrison us to protect us from the mob. We then Georgia. At this conference, students their deep moral and religious convic­ announced recently. All of the Negro went into the white section of the bus from every protest group in the South tions to the entire world. applicants were from Atlanta. Those ac­ station and attempted to make a tele­ were invited to study the many aspects Throughout these months also, the cepted were·: phone call for help. During which time, of the movement under the guidance of publication of "The Student Voice" has Ford Greene and Ralph A. Long, Jr., the Marshalls were fighting the crowd Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Richard continued and circulation has grown seniors at Turner High School, and Law­ from the outside. We tried to get trans­ Gregg, Lillian Smith, James Lawson, rapidly. SNCC has continued to work rence Williams, a senior at Washington portation but there were no taxicabs and others. Out of this conference came with other agencies and organizations High School. around. Then we tried to talk with some plans for the initiation of new and more prominent in the field of civil rights, to Greene is scheduled to be valedictorian of the Negroes on the outside, but be­ far-reaching action. The "Election Day" speak on behalf of the student move­ of his class, Long rates fourth in a class cause of the tension, they were afraid project which the conference approved, ment, and through the bimonthly meet­ of 204, and Williams was described as a and wouldn't help us. They said that to voice the need for immediate civil ings, to examine the needs and to meet "B-minus" student. All scored well on some cars had been burned by whites rights legislation and executive action, them. their college board examinations. and they were scared the same thing took place in mod~--e th.an sevPnteen~ cjties~ Tech is thus the second unit in the state might occur. again.. Since we .could not throughout the North and South. With University System to drop its segTegation make contact by telephone the same the Yule season in mind, the Committee barriers. Unlike the University of Geor­ thing might occur again. Since we could launched a nationwide "Christwas With­ gia, it is admitting Negroes without the not make contact by telephone we de­ holding Campaign" calling for a boycott April Meeting of SNCC pressure of a direct court order. Also, cided to walk to First Baptist Church of all stores which continue to practice The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Georgia State College, Atlanta, is pres­ where a mass meeting was being held, racial segregation. The opening of Con­ Committee met on the Johnson C. Smith ently under court order not to deny ad­ but the police and the Marshalls made gress in January 1961, found SNCC urg­ University campus, Charlotte, North Caro­ mission to qualified Negro applicants. us go back into the bus station. The ing Congress to take immediate steps to lina, April 21-23. The following persons Montgomery policeman asked us to go curb filibuster, change rule XXII of the were in attendance: ter stand-ins, recreational beaches, swim­ to the Negro side for our own protection Senate and to enact provisions of Part Mr. Nathaniel C. Lee-Alabama (Miles (ming pools, parks facilities,) and an all but we refused to leave the white wait­ III of the 1957 Civil Rights Act. College) out voter registration campaign. ~ng room and were arrested while the Shortly before February 1st, SNCC Miss Ruby D. Smith-Georgia (Spel­ Also from the meeting came the unani­ Marshals looked on (seemingly approv­ sent out a call for nation-wide demon- man College) mous decision to telegram a call to Presi­ ing). AFTER we were arrested and Miss Lenora Taitt--Georgia (Spelman dent Kennedy and Sargeant Shiver, newly taken down to the city jail, a sergeant College) appointed Peace Corps head, to place on the Montgomery police force came Attention! Join Our Miss Lydia Tucker - Georgia (Clark Fayette and Haywood Counties in Ten­ over and escorted us back to the bus College) nessee on the State Department roster station. He also refused to tell us Own Peace Corps Miss Patricia Simon - Georgia (Spel­ for technicial assistance when the pro­ anything. Back at the bus station again, man College) gram is initiated. we still had the proldem of making Of the South Mr. Lonnie C. King-Georgia (More­ Among the high points on the Com­ contact with the Negro community. Fi­ We are calling for Northern and South­ house College) mittee's agenda was the sit-in demonstra­ nally a brave young cab driver came by ern students to join hands and work for Mr. Daniel Mitchell - Georgia (Clark tion Friday night in the S & W Cafeteria and decided to help us. Then for one rehabilitation in our own country, in the College) and the Saturday stand-in demonstration solid hour or more we rode throughout state of Mississippi! Mr. Frank G. Halloway - Georgia before downtown Charlotte theaters. the riot-torn city streets of Montgomery The Mississippi Project will enlist stu­ (COAHR) Charles Jones, James Hester, Thomas trying to get to the church where the dents to work in the Delta Region on Miss Birdie McHugh-Kentucky (Cen­ Gaither and Edward King sat-in at S & W mass meeting was being held. After road Voter Registration drives. The project tral High School) Cafeteria for almost forty-five minutes blocks, being searched five times, ar­ will begin July 1st and will run through Mr. Raoul Cunningham - Kentucky without receiving service. The portion of rested, and walking, we finally made it September. You are needed to set up an (Central High School) the counter where the four Negroes sat, to the church where we joined the other office, to collect affidavits of denial of Mr. Arthur Smith-Kentucky (Central was closed and the manager summoned Freedom Ride1·s inside all night. registration rights, to file these with the High School) the police. No arrests were made. The Justice Department which has already Mr. William Greene - North Carolina manager refused to sign a warrant for ordered an investigation in several coun­ (Women's College of the University trespassing. At the Carolina Theater, manager Ed Peace. Pearce revoked ·the ties there, and even to teach reading and of North Carolina) where the Saturday demonstration began ticket sale, refunded the ticket cost to writing to prospective voters. Housing Mr. John A. Gaines-South Carolina at 7:30 p.m., two members of the Coordi­ King and King left the theater. Pearce and expenses will be provided. (Friendship Junior College) nating Committee, Charles M. Sherrod, exhibited the ticket which says the thea­ There are 27 counties in Missi~sippi Mr. Howard Hamer-South Carolina Virginia Union University, Richmond, ter reserves the right to refuse service to with more Negroes than whites. These (Friendship Junior College) Va., and James A. Hester, Johnson C. anyone. counties hold 36% of the seats in the Mr. Charles Sherrod-Virginia (Vir­ Smith University, Charlotte, N. C., were Plans for future action and nationally House of Representatives under present ginia Union University) arrested and taken into custody by city coordinated efforts were discussed. Such apportionment. This is our opportunity to Observers present were Mr. Timothy police. They were charged with alleged projects, when completed, will be brought join with such brave fellow freedom fight­ Jenkin~. United States National Student trespassing violations and placed under a to the attention of all persons concerned. ers as Amzie Moore of Cleveland, Missis­ A~sociation; Mr. Thomas Gaither, Con­ fifty dollar bond each. After thirty min­ An example of this kind of action is the sippi to make democracy work! gress of Racial Equality; Mr. Bernard utes at the Carolina, the students moved "DRIVE AGAINST TRAVEL BIAS" of Once again as in Rock Hill, South Caro­ Lee, Southern Christian Leadership Con­ to the Imperial Theater. There police which material has already been released. lina, we calli demonstrate that racial dis­ ference; Mr. Richard M. Ramsay, Ameri­ threatened to arrest the; entire group on Another concern for the summer, will be crimination is no longer a local issue, that can Friends Service Committee, Mr. Her­ charges of violating the city picketing or­ a stepped-up drive against segregated when segregation affects one of us, it man Roether, American Friends Service dinance. The demonstrators moved away public beaches, golf courses, swimming affects all and that we cannot and shall Committee, and Mrs. Estelle Wychoff from the Imperial after a brief stay and pools and parks. not give up our relentless aims for free­ Southern Conference Educationa Fund. went around the corner to the Charlotte Mr. Charles F. McDew of South Caro­ dom. Advisors present were Miss Ella J. Theater. At the Charlotte, the cashier lina State College was elected to serve as If you are interested in joining or con­ Baker, National Student YWCA. sold a ticket to Edward B. King, Jr., of chairman of SNCC until the next meeting tributing financialiy to this project, please The Committee closed its busy week­ Atlanta, administrative secretary of the at which time a chairman will be chosen contact the Student Nonviolent Coordinat­ end agenda on a high vote calling for Student Nonviolent Coordinating Com­ for the two months following. The next ing Committee at once. We need your "SIT-INERS" across the South to extend mittee. King walked into the theater with Coordinating Committee meeting will be help! their efforts into job discrimination, thea- his ticket. He was followed by assistant held June 8-11, in Louisville, Kentucky. SNCC Launches Drive Against Travel Bias

Delegates attending the STUDENT N 0 NV I 0 LENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE meeting held in Char­ lotte, North Carolina, April 21-23, unanimously voted to rally student ac­ tion with a "DRIVE AGAINST TRAVEL BIAS." The appeal will call attention to the recent Supreme Court flecision outlawing racial segregation in Bus Terminal restaurants operated as an integral part of interstate Bus serv­ ice. The project will also serve notice to Bus and Train Terminal waiting and rest room facilities which remain seg­ regated in many Southern cities, in spite of the 1955 Interstate Commerce Com­ mission ruling against the use of sepa­ rate accommodations. It will also at­ tempt to implement the announcement made by Mr. Bryce Wagoner, president of the Trailway's Bus Terminal Res­ hnrants, Inc., of Raleigh, North Caro­ lina, that his restaurant chain which stretches through Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Vir­ ginia, will not refuse dining service to anyone because of race. The Coordinating Committee empha­ sized to students that, if the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Trailway's Terminal Restaurants Co., and the U. S. Justice Department will actually prose­ cute violations of the Act, the Trailway's Restaurants Co. policy, and the Supreme Court decree, the bus and train corpora­ tions can be forced to integrate all the FRE~DOM RIDERS, 1961 _PASSING THROUGH ATLANTA-The front row includes: W. G. Bergman, Detroit, Mich., Herman stations and depots in a few months. Harris, Englewood, N. J., JI'!l Peck, New Yo~k Ci~y; James Farmer, (CORE National Director, New York City; Allwrt Bigelow, They cannot afford to run the risk of Cos Cob, Col!n.; Joseph Perkms, New York City; Jimmy McDonald, New York City; Henry Thomas, (SNCC Member, Washington, paying $100-$500 fines each time they D. C.;_ Gen~vieve Hughes, Chevy Chase, Md.; Isac Reynolds, Detroit, Mich.; Mae Frances Moultrie, Sumter, S. C.; Frances Burgman, refuse to serve a Negro at their white Detroit, Mich; Ivan G. Moore, Sumter, S. C.; and Charles Person, Atlanta, Ga. lunch counter or vice versa. And they can't afford (unlike a dime store) to close their counters and restaurants be­ cause their passengers~ would be so in­ freedom Ride, 1961 convenienced they would turn to other are from community to community, you the bus and some of us went into the forms of transportation. Vowing to accept jail rather than bail find one thing integrated and another waiting room. Just as we got into this In some areas of the South, local or­ if, nef'essary, 13 members, of an inter­ segregated." He went on to say that room, a group of about eight men stopped ganizations were already pushing for such racial CORE group left Washington, "perhaps the most amusing experience uo, turned us around, a.r1d :?orced us a cz.~p!!ig~ .. -- SNCC d?eiclBrJ· t0 P\'"!'~rh'Lthlt:: D. C., May 4th, for the Deep South on was the one that we had in Charlotte, through a door. "They didn't start beat­ with the closing of the College year. With a bus trip to challenge segregation in N. C. where after eating together with­ ing us right away," he said. "But when thousands of students traveling across all interstate facilities. The CORE out any difficulty, we had a man jailed we were pushed into an alleywav, about state lines of public conveyances enroute group arrived in Atlanta on Saturday, for trying to get a shoe shine." six men began beating me with clubs to their home, they offer and provide the May 13th, after traveling without diffi­ Mrs. Bergman went on to tell about and their fists." Peck said he eventually manpower for a really MASSIVE REALI­ culty through Virginia, experiencing one the arrests in Winnsboro, S. C., where g-ot too dizzy to tell what happened after ZATION of the promise made in these arrest in Charlotte, North Carolina for a Negro and a white member of the that, and came to himself after he had decisions. Many of these students, of what was probably the first "shoe-in" in group were arrested as they walked into been admitted to the hospital. course, will not be the hard-core activists the barber shop, witnessed a welcoming: the white bus terminal restaurant and Although the group faced further vio­ who are ready to continue sitting when (unfriendly) party in Rock Hill, South requested srevice. She said that "I think lence in Montgomery, Alabama and Jack­ refused service and to be jailed in a Carolina where violence occurred and we had the experience that day of being son, Mississippi, before reaching New ~.trange city or town, but they will be use­ members of the g-roup were knocked to a Negro living in the South. I spent Orleans, Louisiana on May 17th, they ful by simply requesting service, stressing the ground, and then the group arrived that day trying to find out what had reported to "The Voice" on May 15, that their rights as interstate passengers. in Winnsboro, S. C. where they met more happened to those two members. When "Freedom Ride, 1961" will go on. It is "The Student Voice' urges you to sup­ difficulties. In Winnsboro, Hank Thomas I talked to the police about the charges with great pleasure that we tell their port actively the appeal issued by SNCC. was arrested with Jim Peck after they against these two people, the officers story, and we commend the dedication Information and appeals have been sent requested service in the all white bus first asked me which two were I inter­ of the entire group and their spirit of out to student groups and civil rights or­ restaurant. The CORE group received ested in, and I said both." "Well," said nonviolence which prompted this action ganizations all over the country. For those service in Columbia and Sumter, South the officer, "we have no place for your on behalf of the rights of all men every­ of our readers who did not receive a copy Carolina without any triuble. kind here." where. of the suggestions of SNCC, we are re­ printing them below: The group journeyed on to Augusta, The CORE group left Atlanta on Sun­ 1. Request service, and if refused, at­ Georgia where they were served in the day morning for Birmingham, Alabama. SNCC Telegram Protests tempt to speak to the manager of the white restaurant at the bus terminal. When the group arrived in Anniston, Metropolitan Opera station and negotiate with him. They also received service in Athens, Alabama, a group of angry white per­ 2. Leave the station after being refused Georgia and arrived in Atlanta to have sons, totaling around 150 to 200, at­ refused service by the manager or tacked the two buses carrying the "Free­ Segregation their shoes shined without an arrest A telegram protesting segregation at after communications breaks down. occurring. dom Riders." Somebody in the crowd 3. Continue sitting and accept jail. broke a window and threw a fire bomb the Atlanta, Georgia Fox Theater during In an interview with Mr. James the week of Metropolitan Opera was sent 4. In all cases, send a DETAILED COM­ into the bus. Moments later the bus PLAINT to the Chairman of the Inter­ Farmer, National Director of the Con­ was engulfed in flames. Some of the April 4, to Mr. Rudolph Bing, general gress Of Racial Equality, "The Voice" manager of the Met. state Commerce Commission, Wash­ crowd that surrounded the burning bus ington, D. C.; the President of the received some interesting information. were reported to have struck a few of The telegram was signed by Edward B. Mr. Farmer said that "I think it is the King, Jr., administrative secretary of the Trailway's Restaurants Co., Raleigh, the CORE members as they came out N. C.; and to the United States Attor­ shame of our country that such a ride coughing and gasping for air. Most of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Commit­ is necessary, but it is the hope of our tee. It stated, "The Student Nonviolent ney General, J u s t i c e Department, the bus passengers were taken to Annis­ Washington, D. C. nation that such a large number of peo­ ton Memorial Hospital suffering from Coordinating Committee seriously con­ ple of both races, of all ages, are willing cerned as to the decision of the renowned 5. In all cases, send a copy of your com­ inhalation of smoke fumes, and none plaint to the Student Nonviolent Co­ to take this ride." He said further that were believed to be in serious condition. Metropolitan Opera Company to come the "ride itself is no trick or stunt. Our South segregated. In addition to provid­ ordinating Committee, 1971,6 Auburn ultimate objective of course, is an open When th esecond bus load of CORE ing more fodder for the grist mills of Avenue, N. E., Atlanta 3, Georgia. We country where all citizens, regardless of members arrived in Birmingham, Ala­ democracies' enemies, there is the real will in turn, put pressure on the in­ their race, will be able to travel any bama, up to 30 white men, many armed po~,sibility of the Met meeting some tan­ volved persons and agencies to enforce. place in the country using all facilities with lengths of lead pipe, attacked five gible criticism at opening of the fall sea­ the law. without discrimination." However, said of the "Freedom Riders" as they tried son. We would be happy to entertain Farmer, "the Freedom Ride itself has to enter the white Trailways Bus Ter­ some valid explanation for the unsavory a limited objective, and that objective is minal restaurant. Charles A. Persons incid.ents experienced by the Negro com­ testing the Interstate Commerce Com­ of Atlanta was hit on the head and re­ mumty on Tuesday and Wednesday NEWS FROM THE mission regulations with regards to in­ ceived a bad cut and was treated at a nig-hts." STATES terstate passengers." local hospital. James A. Peck of New The reference was to four Negroes York City, was taken to University Hos­ Tuesday night with dress circle tickets ALABAMA- Charges that Negroes are The Voice talked with Dr. and Mrs. pital and his condition was listed as who were refused seats among white pa­ systematically excluded from juries in Walter Bergman of Detroit CORE, and serious. Peck had at least a dozen gashes trons, and two Negro women who were Dallas County, Ala., were denied before Dr. Bergman said that "the reaction I on his scalp and neck. His account of l'i>fused admission to the dress circle on the Supreme Court in Washington, D. C., have most strongly about the Southern what happened when the bus pulled into Wednesday night, and who declined to by Alabama Asst. Atty. General David W. customs, are how absurb the patterns Birmingham goes like this: "We got off accept segregated substitute seats. Clark, who declared the all-Alabama jury selections are based on chance drawings. The Atlanta Water Department an­ military one in South Carolina to be inte­ do not wish to make trouble, as I am only Clark said he could not explain why< five nounced recently that they are going to grated. seeking my rights as a citizen of the Negro jurors were stricken from the panel hire Negro water meter readers in the United States. I hope my injury will help in the case of the Rev. Lewis Lloyd near future. in some way to open the eyes of those who Anderson, who was convicted of man­ TENNESSEE-Nashville's well organized deny my race the privileges to which we slaughter. Asked by Justice E. Whittaker student protest movement scored another are entitled. Your high and honorable KENTUCKY-Lexington theatres of two victory this week as theater operators office can do much\ to help us extinguish if it was a practice for Negro defendants chains have signed an agreement calling "Not to want Negro jurors to hear their agreed to drop their d i s c r i m i n a t ory the gross injustices which are being im­ for integration. The agreement was signed policies. The students have maintained posed upon us down here in Houston". cases", Clark said he did not know. after seven months of demonstrations. U. S. Judge Seybourn Yynne, ordered protest lines in front of theaters since On last week-end, twenty-four Negro CORE chairman Julia Lewis announced February 1st of this year. the Birmingham Train Terminal Com­ the agreement, signed April 27th. The high school and college students, and one pany's waiting room facilities integrated. Restaurants at Memphis Continental white student! who accompanied members pattern negotiated in Lexington is ex­ and Greyhound bus stations quietly de­ The order resulted from a suit brought in pected to be applied in Richmond, Ken­ of the PYA, were arrested and charged 1957 by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Baldwin of segregated last week. Passengers holding with unlawful assembly after a "sit-in" tucky, and other communities as well. interstate tickets are being seated and Birmingham. Stand-ins and picketing of the theatres demonstration at the Union Station res­ Members of the Mobile City Commis­ served regardless of race. taurant. Mr. Eldewey J. Stearnes, Direc­ have been going on since last fall. A 7-year-old white girl has been en­ sion revealed they do not plan to appeal a The Carrollton city public schools will tor of the Progressive Youth Association, recent Federal court order that the city's rolled in the second grade of a rural Houston, told The "Voice" tha,t "some of be integrated in September, according to Negro elementary school in Sevierville. golf course be opened to Negroes. The Superintendent Robert D. !son. The in­ the students have come to trial and that commission said they felt an appeal would Monisha Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. that PYA has filed suit against the man­ tegration of 25 Negro youngsters has Bruce Moore, has, been attending school be merely a waste of money after City awaited construction of the city's new ager of the Union Terminal Restaurant". Atty. Fred G. Collins tol dthem there was with Negroes for the past four weeks. Stearnes pointed that "the students held grade school, which is now near comple­ Moore said he enrolled his child in the nothing that could be done. Since the rul­ tion. interstate train tickets and that refusal of ing Negroes have been using the course Negro school because it is only one-quar­ the restaurant to serve them, violates reg­ without incident. ter mile from the family home and also ulations of the Interstate Commerce Com­ MISSISSIPPI- The NAACP announced because he was dissatisfied with her pro­ mission and the recent Supreme Court de­ recently, that its "Operation Mississippi", gress in the white school to which she cision in the Boynton case". ARKANSAS-In Little Rock colored par­ designed to eliminate racial segregation in formerly rode 10 miles daily by bus. ents requested a District Court decree the state, is rolling into high gear. Medgar Evers, field secretary of NAACP, backinging up a Circuit Court ruling that VIRGINIA-Thirty-four Richmond Negro the local school board must be fair in pupil revealed that attacks have been mounted TEXAS-On May 3, 23 pickets were assignment. Sitting in St. Louis, the against discrimination in employment, charged for unlawful assembly as they students convicted under Virginia's anti­ Eighth U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals public libraries and public transportation. demonstrated in front of two downtown trespass laws lost their appeals to the said the board must use the pupils' assign­ Recently, students at Campbell, Jackson Houston theaters. One member of the State Supreme Court last week. The high Progressive Youth A s s o c i at i o n, the court upheld the $20 fines levied in Rich­ ment law "objectively in the making of State, and Aougaloo Colleges' have held mond's Policy Court and affirmed by initial assignments of all students . . . to demonstrations against racial segregation student group sponsoring the theater in the city of Jackson. Four students "stand-ins", was injured by Loew's State Hustings Court for picketing and sit-ins the end that imposed segregation is dis­ at a Richmond store last year. Since the continued ... "The District Court was in­ were arrested on April 19th when they sat Theater employees. The injured student, Miss Edythe Paige, a student at Texas case was initiated, the store, Thalhimers structed to main jurisdiction of the case in the white front section of a bus used and other downtown stores, including "to the end that the views as expressed in for public transportation. Tried the fol­ Southern University, sent the following Jetter to Attorney General Robert Ken­ Miller & Rhoads, have desegregated their the opinion of this court ... are carried lowing day on charges of "breach of the eating facilities. into effect". peace", they were ne $100 each and given nedy and President, John F. Kennedy: "I, suspended sentences of 30 days in jail. The Edythe Paige, a student at Texas South­ Seventy-five to 100 Negroes staged a convictions are being appealed. Their ern University, in Houston, Texas, and a march through downtown Hopewell after FLORIDA-The Escambia County School trail was held in the same Municipal Court sit-in demonstrator, wish to call your at­ 33 Negroes were convicted in Municipal Board (Pensacola) agreed to comply with where nine Tougaloo College students tention to the following incident. The Court on transpassing charges in drug a U. S. District Court order directing the were arrested for a "read-in". night of May 3, at the Loew's State store sit-ins last fall. integration of the public school system. It was during this session that German Theatre, I atttmpted to purchase a ticket Eight high school students joined four The board adopted a resolution calling on police dogs were used to rout peaceful along with other white patrons. But, be­ other Negroes in Danville's lunch counter the school superintendent, Dr. W. J. citizens awaiting the results of the trial cause I am a Negro, I was refused and sit-ins as the demonstration spread to a Woodham, and school board attorneys to across the street from the courthouse. subsequently struck by the manager and second variety store last week. The Ne­ prepare a plan for gradual desegregation patrons, blows which landed me in the groes were not served at eiteher Wool­ of the city-county schools. Bowing to a hospital for four days, suffering from worth's or Kresge's stores. There were no recent federal court order, the City of NORTH CAROLINA-Complete cessation multiple concussions to the abdomine. I incidents or arrests. Miami last week desegregated its five of picketing of both Chapel Hill theaters municipal swimming pools. City Manager was announced by University of North Iviel\.~itl Ree:Stf~· tutd~t;~i~ puvl ~-ihdna:g\:."'~', Ca.J.'Olh.w.. s"\/adtt.cto::., a~ .repo.rt.s ~fH.baJ ~ tlra.L "any taxpayer who seeks 2.dmissi_on and the management of one of the theaters pays his fee, if any, and obeys the rules was willing to integrate over the summer must be admitted". and the other would follow suit. Deseg­ A white student is seeking admissio!l to regation of the Chapel Hill theaters would the all-Negro Florida A. & M. University, mark a major victory in the recent South­ Tallahassee, for the summer term as a wide campaign to integrate motion picture freshman. He is Try Lawrence Ruther, a houses. permanent resident of Miami who said he now lives in Tallahassee. W. L. Bryant, assistant registrar at the University, said SOUTH CAROLINA- Four Negro col­ no decision on Ruther's admission can be lege studtnts picketed Secretary of Com­ made until he completes his application. merce Luther Hodges, as the former GEORGIA-Two Hundred and five appli­ North Carolina Governor addressed an all­ cations to transfer to all white high white Democratic party gathering in the schools by Negro students in the 1961-62 Wade Hampton Hotel in Columbia. They term beginning in September have been carried signs reading: "Fourteen persons issued thus far by school officials. The have been refused service at this Demo­ 11th and 12th grades of the Atlanta high cratic dinner because of their color'' and schools are to be desegregated in Septem­ "Secretary Hodges, how can your con­ ber. science let you eat at this segregated The Atlanta Transit System buses and hotel"? trolleys, president, Robert L. Sommerville, Charleston will desegregate its munici­ announced recently that two Negroes have pal golf course rather than close it. Mayor been selected to receive training as opera­ Gailliard has urged everyone to abide by tors. He said that the transit system will a federal court integration decree "with not confine them to routes which run courtesy and understanding". This would through Negro residential areas. make the Charleston course the first non-

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