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NAACP newsletters, Fort Madison Branch, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1967
Page 005
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- 5 - There are many people who sit back...and stay so busy complaining and criticizing the activities of the civil rights organizations, that they don't have time to come out and participate so that they might help correct those things which they have decided are wrong. At the same time, there are just as many others who say they 'wish there were some way they could help'..., but somehow never find the time to actually see if there is some small thing which they might do. Then,....there are others who sit back because nothing in the arena of civil rights applies to them. If they are Negroes and their lives are relatively well ordered, and they have decent jobs and homes,...they may not want to rock the boat, so, they settle back forgetting that until all men have freedom of opportunity, they are not first class citizens, regardless of their circumstances. Or, perhaps they are white,...and believe that somehow this whole thing will suddenly 'go away'....because they really don't know what the whole thing is about....anyway! Civil Rights is the business of every citizen in America, today, regardless of their race, color or creed. Fort Madison is certainly no exception. There has been no real antagonistic action on the part of the NAACP, in this community. However, we have truthfully and factually confronted problems and the 'powers that be'...to see that the situations were corrected...and we have seen many improvements! There has been no loud proclamation issued after the complaints have been filed and taken care of properly. The attainment of justice and, therefore advancement, leave no need for shouting...besides, there is too much more real work to be done. The work of obtaining equal rights for all men is strictly business and not a social effort. We, who are really concerned and involved actively, are determined to see that our work gets done. Each person has a right to choose how he or she will stand,...but, regardless of race, color or creed,...as Americans, the gains or losses in the field of civil rights will affect each of us. No one person can actually rid another of their apathy and complacency,...it is something that has to come from within. However, no matter what choice each person makes,...we all have a stake in the future of America...and with persistence, those of us who are actively involved,...are more determined than ever to see the American ideal become reality! To sin by silence when they should protest, makes cowards of men. Support your Community Action Program and the local HEAD START program. The work being done, here, has been worthy of the support of the community and must have much more help if it is to continue to exist. WRITE TO SENATORS MILLER AND HICKENLOOPER URGING THEM TO SUPPORT THE ANTI-POVERTY BILL WHEN IT REACHES THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE. The first HOME VISIT has been scheduled for November 26, 1967. The details will be announced at the meeting. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill which requires the history courses which are taught in their public schools to include those contributions which Negroes and other ethnic groups have made in the development of that state and the rest of the country. This is a move which we would do well to make, here, in the State of Iowa. DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE...AND VOTE. IF YOU HAVE MOVED SINCE THE LAST TIME YOU VOTED....FILL OUT A CHANGE OF ADDRESS CARD. Tomorrow is not promised us...So let us take today....And make the very most of it...The once we pass this way... JOIN THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM University of Iowa Libraries. Iowa Women's Archives
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- 5 - There are many people who sit back...and stay so busy complaining and criticizing the activities of the civil rights organizations, that they don't have time to come out and participate so that they might help correct those things which they have decided are wrong. At the same time, there are just as many others who say they 'wish there were some way they could help'..., but somehow never find the time to actually see if there is some small thing which they might do. Then,....there are others who sit back because nothing in the arena of civil rights applies to them. If they are Negroes and their lives are relatively well ordered, and they have decent jobs and homes,...they may not want to rock the boat, so, they settle back forgetting that until all men have freedom of opportunity, they are not first class citizens, regardless of their circumstances. Or, perhaps they are white,...and believe that somehow this whole thing will suddenly 'go away'....because they really don't know what the whole thing is about....anyway! Civil Rights is the business of every citizen in America, today, regardless of their race, color or creed. Fort Madison is certainly no exception. There has been no real antagonistic action on the part of the NAACP, in this community. However, we have truthfully and factually confronted problems and the 'powers that be'...to see that the situations were corrected...and we have seen many improvements! There has been no loud proclamation issued after the complaints have been filed and taken care of properly. The attainment of justice and, therefore advancement, leave no need for shouting...besides, there is too much more real work to be done. The work of obtaining equal rights for all men is strictly business and not a social effort. We, who are really concerned and involved actively, are determined to see that our work gets done. Each person has a right to choose how he or she will stand,...but, regardless of race, color or creed,...as Americans, the gains or losses in the field of civil rights will affect each of us. No one person can actually rid another of their apathy and complacency,...it is something that has to come from within. However, no matter what choice each person makes,...we all have a stake in the future of America...and with persistence, those of us who are actively involved,...are more determined than ever to see the American ideal become reality! To sin by silence when they should protest, makes cowards of men. Support your Community Action Program and the local HEAD START program. The work being done, here, has been worthy of the support of the community and must have much more help if it is to continue to exist. WRITE TO SENATORS MILLER AND HICKENLOOPER URGING THEM TO SUPPORT THE ANTI-POVERTY BILL WHEN IT REACHES THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE. The first HOME VISIT has been scheduled for November 26, 1967. The details will be announced at the meeting. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill which requires the history courses which are taught in their public schools to include those contributions which Negroes and other ethnic groups have made in the development of that state and the rest of the country. This is a move which we would do well to make, here, in the State of Iowa. DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE...AND VOTE. IF YOU HAVE MOVED SINCE THE LAST TIME YOU VOTED....FILL OUT A CHANGE OF ADDRESS CARD. Tomorrow is not promised us...So let us take today....And make the very most of it...The once we pass this way... JOIN THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM University of Iowa Libraries. Iowa Women's Archives
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