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44
Fsbruary 27, 1945.
tr. Harrr A, D. Smith
Board of Direoors
Portland Urban Lau
2l
S1 W, Morrison
Portland 5, Oregon
Dear
i'noloed you will find ooie of t
of January 25th and Pebruary 2lt.
j. t1phe cal]. wn
iiiade to Mr,
minutas of the raiins
rex1er and bo was intruted
In 000pe tioL w.bh r. Johnm, to prooced at once in finding a
suitable ondidato for t' po&t of xeout;iv
oortary of th
Portland Tjrban Luagu.
Soerly yours.,
'.
JIi/i
er1
ILiON, Cheirman.
}Ioard of Di'cctox'
Portion d lr1w.n Leo ue
MINUTES OF ThE U1UA
rortiand, Oregon
AGIlE
Friday, April 20, .L94b.
.L0z30 A.J&. - 240 Terminal SaLes ildg.
A?resentz
Messrs.
1. 0, Stone
J.
Roy kii.0
DeNorvaj. Unthank
Mesdas Elliott Corbett
A.enneth $mitlt
'ihe meeting was called to order oy Reverend i.. Q Stone,
Vice-Chairman.
t. the absenoe of Mr. Bruok, Reverend tone presented the
The only place availabie
report; concerning office space.
at the present
time is located in the Terminal Sales Bldg.
Duø to he urgent iieed that
space be secured immediately
week, Mrs. Corbett moved and
Mr. hill seconded a. motion that Mr. Bruoic oe empowered to
immediately rent, on a month'to-month basis, any office
for Mr. berry's arrival this
space avaiJ.ab.
Reverend 5tone announced
that Mr. Sorry will arrive Tuesday, April 24th, and that he had secured temporary housing
at Intsrnationai house,
The group decided to call the first meeting of
with Mr. Sorry on Thursday, April 26th, in the
Room of the First National Ba.uk. At that time
opinion of the group that tne agenda inciude a
the accomplishments of the Board
thus far.
the Board
Conference
it was the
resume of
press committee be appointed at
this meeting to release information to the papers. After
considerable discussion as to whether chairmen of aU oommittu
meeting, it was
ace should be invited to be present at
e inoluded
only
Board
members
the deoision of the group that
meeting
with
the
new
executive.
for the
Mr. diii suggested that a
this
first
Meeting adjourned.
REV1 L. 0. STONE, VioeCnairmen
LIA SMITh, aeoretary
MtJTES OF ThE URJ3JII LEAGUB
Portiand, (Fregon
Thursday, .Arii 26,
11*00 A,M.
Conference Room
,L94b,
First National Baj
Present: Messrs. Aj. 0. -Stone
onaid Green, 'Jr.
Harry W. Bruok
Oliver Smith
Roy hill
h1esdsmes Elliott
Corbett
Cljffoj iaiker
Kenneth Smith
The meeting Was called to order by Reverend Stqe, Vioe..Chairman, who
introdnoed Mr. Green, a new member of the Board, end Mr. Berry, the new
executive secretary.
Mr. Berry expressed a desire to
stated that
start woricing immediately.
.e
the Urban iieague is not the Urban Laeague
one of the imortant things about
perse', bxt the spirit of the organization.
Mr. Corbett expressed the readiness of herself and other members of
Board to help Mr. Berry in every way possibLe. She also questioned
Berry as to his present living conditions. Mr. Oliver
servioes tor help find a suitable living arrangenmnt.
the
Mr.
smith offere4 his
Concerning offioe spaoe, Mr. Brucic stated that the Terminal Sales Building
has no space available. There are possibilities in the Panama, the
Guardian,
and the Postal Buildings.
Some di8eusSion Was raised as to
in tue X.M,C4,. Building where space may also be
available. It
was the consensus of opinion of both the group and Mr. Berry that it
not to identify with other agencies at this time. Within the uext few mohtha
our biggest job will, be acquainting the public with the woric of the organization.
the advisability
of boating
is best
(iLr. Vlobaugilton asced tflat Mr. berry prepare a report as soon as possible a oncerning the real situation among
groes in this area; that this report be given to
the negro group and that they in turn be encouraged to leave the area when the
shipyards are closed.
s stated that the egro population, as well as the whites,
should know that the employment situation will be critical after the shipyards
close.
Reverend Stone
read the
financial report whiohwas accepted.
Qliver SinfLth moved that the meeting be adjourned.
L. 0. STcE, Vioe-'Cuajrman
tULlA SMITH, Secretary
URB
BOARD OF DIRECrOES
Special Meeting May 23, 1945
1JAGTJE OF PORT U31D
Reverend L 0 Stone, Presiding
Mrs Elliott Corbett
Mr E B Mac1aughtoD
Present:
Clifford. Walker
as called at the request of Reverend Stone to consider
the reception whieh is being planned to 5.ntroduo Mr and Mrs Berry and
to giva se consideration to a membership for our organization. Mrs
Oorbett reported that the reception ocnmittee consisted of herself and
Mrs Walker, 'with Mrs Walker as chairmen. Mrs Walker reported that Juris 10
ha been agreed upon as the date for the reception, which is to be held
at the Parish House of t Phillips Church, located at 1E Knott Street and
Rodney Avenue from three until six o'clock PM.
This cmmiitte'3
Mrs Corbett
suggested that we use this reception as one method of intro-
duoi.ng our organi. zation and the Executive
ii ç
/
or3tary to the c(MTmlunity.
However, Mrs Corbett has certain reservations regarding the effectiveness
of an afternoon reception. She feels that a great many of the important and influential people in the oonnunity whom we 'wish to become
acquainted with our work will riot turn out. Mr Corbett suggested
that at some future date the men of the ooniunity could be brought
together to glean some understanding of our work, and at a time when
it
is practical to request their support of our program.
Mrs Corbett
suggested that Mr Maoauton head this oittee,
The que3tin of membership for our organization was introduced by
Rovorend Stone. After some discussion the committee felt
that a
large membership is
important to the Suooessful prosecution of our
proroin, However, it would be
desirable that we clear our procedure
with Mr Reed of the Cmnumity Chest
before we plan to embark upon
any membership campaign. The following
persons were appointed as a
cmmtittee to clear this matter with
the Conunity Chest and report
date:
at an early
Mr
enneth F Smith
Mj Harry Smith
Dr DeNorval IJnthank
Adjournment0
TYES OF SPECIAL MEETI1G OF BO1RD OF DIIECTORS
URBAN LAGU1 OF P0RTLAIqD, MAY 28, 1945
Board Room First Tationa1 Baiik, 11:00 AM
Presiding
Present
The Reverend L 0 Stone,
Vice Chairman
Mrs Elliott Corbett
Mr Harry + D Smith
Mr E B MacNaught on
The Reverend J J Glow
Mr Edwin C Berry
Mr Stone opened the meeting. He asked Mr MacNaughton to give a report on 'the
statue of the presidency of our organization.
M1 MacNaughton stated that Mr James Hamilton's business is keeping him away
from the city so much that he (Mr Hejnilton) fee1 that it is unfair for him
to be continued in the office of president, and would like to resign tn favor
of a person who can be on the scene during Gills critical period. Mr Hamilton
wishes to remain cloec to the Urban League program and will accept the pcs't
of vice president, if the Board of Directors so wishes.
Mr MaoNaughton continued that in his search for possible presi.d.tr.ti.al timber
he contacted Mr WillIam L Brewster, Jr, who is extremely interested in our
work and has consented to serve as preident of the orenization and chair-
man of the Board of Directors, if elected,
Mr Brewster is a young and vigorous man. He is from an old and respected
Portland family and is assooi.atod with the firm of Strong and Brewster,
Realtors. Mr Brewster has a long and honorable record of community service.
He is at present a member of the Board of Directors of th fol1owin Portland
agenois:
Library Association of Portland
Oregon Mental Hygiene Society
Board of Couvnunity Chest
Cmiiunity Chest Budget Qcmitteo
As an indication of Mr Brewster's interest in our work, he will, if elected,
resign as a member of the Community Chest Budget
share of duties as president of the Urban League. Conunit'tee to assume his full
The following motions were heard:
Motion by Mr MacNaughton, seconded by Mrs Corbett, that
Mr Hamilton's resignation be accepted, with
regrets. Motion passed.
Motion by Mr MacNaughton, eeoonded by Mrs Corbett, that Mr Hamilton
assmie the
duties as co-vice chairman.
Motion passed.
Motion by Mr Harry Smith, seconded by Mr MacKaughton, that Mr Williem L
Brewster, Jr be made a member of the Board of Directors. Motion passod.
At this point Mr Berry requested permission to read a letter of resignation addressed to our Board of Directors from Mr H W Bruok, Mr Bruok
requested that his resignation be accepted because the pressure of his business does not permit his participation to the fullest extent in the Urban
League program.
Motion by Mrs Corbett, seconded by Mr Harry Smith, that we accept the resignation of Mr Bruok with regret; that Mr Berry be requested to forward. a
to this effect to Mr Bruok, Motj
passed.
letter
Motion by Mr Smith, seconded by Mrs Corbett, that Mr Brewster be eleGbed as
president of the Urban League to complete the unfinished term of Mr
Hamilton.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Mr Smith, seconded by
Reverend Glow,
three (3)
that
signatures
that any two of our duly oleoted officers
and our Executive 5eoretary be authorized to sign
agency checks. Motion
be required on all agency checks;
passed unanimous ly.
Motion by Mrs Oorbett, seconded by Mr MacWaughton, that the reception which
is being planned in 'honor of Mr and Mrs Berry shall be postponed from June 17
to Jute 24, in order that this program will not conflict with the HAAG? meeting which is scheduled for June 17. Motion pasSed unanimously.
Motion by Reverend Glow, seconded by Mr Smith,
that an official letter be
sent to Mr Kelly Foster requesting from him an expression of his interest
in our organization and encouraging him to become active in the direction
of our program0 Motion passed.
There was a brief disouson of the responsibility of the Portland League
to give service to the Vancouver area. It wets pointed out, that
Vancouver
is outside of the Community Chest service
area and. that Vancouver cottributes
no money toward the support of Portland agencies,
On the other hand, happenings in Vancouver will affect, in a positive
or negative way, the Portland
scene, Mr Smith suggestsd that it is important
Vancouver, if it can be worked out, Perhaps the for us to give service to
will be willing to asetmie a part of our financial Vancouver CoTLunity Chest
load. It was suggested
by Mrs Gorbett that this situation
for our organization be tabled untiland the question of general membership
such time a our new president a5stmies
office.
Meeting adjourned 12:05,
/,[
SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL T BOARD MEETING
IIRBAR LEAGUE OF PORTLãD, J1J1'TE 1, 1945
Committees:
L.
Industrial Relatiots
2. Housing
3. Public Re].ationa and Interpretation
4. Executive
Recommendations for All Committees
1. All committees, for the present, shall be chaired by a person who
holds Board membership, in order that the Board may be closely
in touch with committee procedure and guidance.
2. It shall be the duty of each committee to search out and find faots
pertinent to the committee's interest; to interpret said facts; and
to make recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the necessary
course of action to seek desirable adjustment.
3. Committees may be commissioned by the Board of Directors to take
further action in the areas of publicity or starting the social.
machinery which vii].1 be directed toward community betterment.
4. Committees shall be composed of members of the community who, by
interest, understanding, ability, and integrity are beat able to
give time, intelligent consideration, and respect to our undertakings. Effort should be made to secure a cross-section of in-
dividuals. The racial balance of committee members should be
maintained as far as possible without jeopardy to the program.
Exceptions:
a. The Executive Committee shall consist of the League's
duly elected officers. This committee shall be chaired
by the President.
b. The President and Executive Secretary shall be ox-officio
members of all committees. (Exeoutivo Secretary, of course,
without voting power.)
Committee Definitions
1.
Industrial Relations Committee - shall be concerned with problems
of employment generally, and specifically as these problems affect
Negro workers. This committee shall:
a. Find factual material by methods of survey, conference,
and by making use cf a].]. authentic material available,
b. Interpret and understand said facts.
Committees -2
c.
d.
2.
Edeavor to create new job opportunitie8 for
qualified Negro workers.
Confer with employers, Unions, governmental officials, and employment offices and others, in an
attempt to secure equal opportunity for all citizens,
and to establish the RIGHT TO VRK as a basic hmian
right upon which all other rights are essentially
dependent. Limiting job opportunity because of race
or creed is aotual]y limiting oitizenahip.
Housing Committee - shall be concerned with problems of housing
of our community, generally, and especially as these problems
affect Negro residents. Overcrowded housing, poor housing, too
few homes available shall be problems to which this committee
shall address itself.
Problems related to housing, such as sln conditions, housing
restrictions, health standards, and other housing implications
which mitigate against the best interests of the total community, shall come within the scope of this committee.
This committee shall confer with officials of public housing
and private housing, real estate boards, National Housing
Agency, Federal Housing .gency, Federal Public Housing Administration, local Housing &uthoritios, and others.
3.
Public Relations Committee - It shall be the duty of this committee to gather and disseminate factually accurate material regarding Negroes, which will serve to refute the stereotyped
notions which make up the body of folklore by which most Negroes
are judged.
This committee shall be acquainted with literature on the subject,
good and bad; it shall call attention to this material in an appropriate manner. It shall engage in conferences with local newspaper offioial and officials of radio stations, public sohools,
colleges, and others, endeavoring to get true facts set forth.
This committee shall engage in efforts with other oonmnmity agencies
(social, civic, religious, governmental) in the interest of opportunities for Negroes and civic understanding and unity.
It must be recognized that this kind of interpretation is basic
to the successful prosecution of the programs of other committees.
Further, that in this period of keen racial feelings in Portland,
this committee may make a significant contribution by the kind of
public relations program which will relieve racial tensions and
ultimate devestation.
r.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BORi) OF DIRECTORS
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORT LTD, JITh1E 1, 1945
Board Room, First National Bank, 4:00 P M
Presiding:
Present
Mr William L Brewster, Jr
Chairman
Reverend J J Clew
Mrs Elliott Corbett
Mr Kelly Foster
Mr E B MacNaught on
Mr Harry A D Smith
Mrs Kenneth F Smith
Mr Oliver Smith
Reverend L 0 Stone
Dr DeNorval Unthank
Mrs Clifford Walker
Mr Edwin C Berry, Executive Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Mr Brewster, Chairman.
minutes of the last meeting of the Board were read and approved.
The
Mr MaciTaughton suggested that copy of all minutes hereafter be
sent to all members of the Board, so that the reading of minutes of
prior meetings will not be necessary at future Board meetings. This
suggestion was approved by the Board.
Report of Special Committee
Mr Harry Smith reported to the Board on the conference at which
he, Dr Unthank, and Mr Berry discussed with Mr Ralph Reed of The Coinmunity Chest (i) regulations governing membership and dues of Community
Chest agencies, and (2) interpretation of the Chest toward the I.eague's
rendering services outside Multnomah County, specifically in the Vancouver area.
Mr Smith reported that the Community Chest favors membership for
agencies, provided the dues are nominal and that membership clearly
understands that dues are not to be confused with contributions
toward
operation. Mr Smith further reported that the Chest feels
that dues
should not be less than l and not more than 2.
Mr Smith stated that the Community Chest feels that Vancouver
should certainly be considered and given service, so far as it is possible for the League to do so, inasmuch as Vancouver and Portland
are
Minutes of Board Meeting -2
direot].y interrelated, and matters which affect Vancouver will also
affect Portland, and vice-versa.
Mr Reed feels, however, Mr Smith reported, that the Vancouver
Cmuunity Chest should not be approached regarding any contribution
toward the operation of the Portland League until such time as the
League has been able to demonstrate its value and work to the com-
munity.
League Dues
after considerable discussion, a motion by Reverend Stone,
seoonded by Reverend Glow was heard: That membership fees for the
Urban League of Portland be aa follows: $i per year for general
2 per year for general members who also 'wish subsoripiions
to Opportunity Magazine, the official publication of the National
Urban League. Motion passed.
members;
Mrs Smith requested information as to the cost of materials
to be distributed to members and if 2 would cover the cost. Mr
Berry answered that 2 would not cover the cost of all the materials
that we plan to send to members, but that a budget for an Educational
and Public Relations Program might be set up to cover the cost of
materials distributed. Mr Berry stated, further, that any amount of
money that we spend for this program would be well spent if it serves
to educate the public and refute stereotyped notions regarding Negroes.
Reverend Glow stated that by all means the members should be
introduced to the Opportunity Magazine; that the members of the Port-.
land Urban League, although interested primarily in local affairs,
should see and understand the national picture regarding race re-
lations.
Service to Vancouver
It was the concenaus that the matter of giving service
in the
Vancouver area did not require any action by the Board of Directors.
It was generally agreed that the League should not hesitate to
members and also members to the Board from Vancouver. Mr Berrysecure
stated
that merely as a matter of record the Board should make some official
statement on the matter.
Motion by Mr Smith, seconded by Dr Unthank, that
we consider the
area of Portland and Vancouver as one service area. Motion
passed.
Delegate to the Council of Social Agencies
The Chairman explained that persons
serving on the Counoil of
Social Agencies as the League's representatives
had an excellent opportunity to interpret our work to other agencies and
also keep the League
Mjnto8 of Board Meeting -3
informed on general matters of social planning of other agencies. He
stated that particularly in the first year or two of our operation, our
representatives on the Council could play an extremely important part.
It was explained that Mr Berry, as Executive Secretary, is automatically
a delegate to the Council from Urban League. Mr Brewster also stated
that he would attend many of the meetings, as President of the organization.
Mr MacNaughton suggested that the Chairman appoint another delegate to the Council from among the Board members
There was general
agreement by the Board. Mr Brewster agreed to make the appointment within the following week.
Report of Reception Conmiittee
Mrs Walker reported the progress whioh has been made in arran.ng the roeeption on June 24 for Mr and Mrs Berry. Lists of guests
to be invited have been turned in to the Office Secretary, so that a
master mailing list may be compiled. Mrs Walker and other volunteers
will assist in completing and mailing invitations.
Mrs Walker reported that 800 invitations will be sent out.
These invitations have already been printed, and at present are in the
Urban League offioe. The cost of printing was 37.5O. .pproximately
400 persons are expected, and preparations will be made for this rnunber.
Persons wifl register at the reception, and twice during the
afternoon Mr Berry and Mr Brewster will speak on the Urban League,
its purpose and plans. Persons attending the reception
will be invited
to join the Urban League. Details of the
program will be worked out by
Mr Berry and Mr Brewster.
Mr Berry suggested, and it was approved by the Board,
that all
firms from which purchases are made in connection With the
reception
should be advised to bill us in the name of the
Urban League of Portland.
It was estimated that total expenses f
or the reception would be
*100, approximately.
Other Buajne
1.
Mr Berry, at the request of the Chairman,
read a statement sent to
the Council of Social Agencies for publication
in its directory on
the purposes and scope of the Urban League
of Portland. The statement follows:
It is the purpose of the Urban League to aasist the community in the process of integrating Negro mericans, to
the end that the conditions under which Negroes live, work,
Minutes of Board Meeting -4
and play may be improved. Through cooperative inter-
racial planning and counseling, the Urban League endeavors
to properly and truthfully interpret conditions as they affect
Negro citizens. We seek to expand employment, housing, health,
welfare, educational and recreational opportunity, through
methods of investigation, community organization, coordination1
consultation, and interpretation. The League works with existing institutions, and, at times, recommends and encourages the
creation of new agencies when the need is established and apparent.
"The Urban League is particularly interested in action which
promote interracial understanding and harmony, and which
will serve to eliminate or reduce tension areas and minimize
Will
racial strife. Staff is available to plan, consult with, and
advise any community agencies, groups, and bureaus, wishing to
use this service."
This statement was approved by the Board as sent to the Council.
2.
Meeting Time, Place, Date: Mrs Smith moved that the meeting time be
changed from 4:00 to 4:30, to accommodate more of the members of the Board.
This was seconded by Mrs Corbett and passed by the Board.
It was agreed that the place of meeting shall be Dr Unthank's Reception Room. This place is especially helpful to the Urban League office
staff, since the office is located at the same address.
month,
The date of regular Board meetings remains the first Friday in each
3. New Board Members: Mr Brewster asked the Board to give some consideration to new Board members to possibly replace several of the present members
who have been quite inactive. The names of Mr James Landye, a labor union
man, and.Miss Nathalie Panek, 010 Education Director, were suggested.
Mr Berry presented correspondence from Messrs Benedict and Hill,
Board members, expressing their regrets that they had to be out of town
and would be unable to attend the regular Board meeting June 1.
4. Revision of Constitution: The Chairman asked that the Board give
some thought to the Constitution and to revisions needed.
5. Activity of Committees: Mr Berry read a brief and general statement
of what he considered should be the activity of each Committee. (This
statement is attached.) He recommended that there be four (4) committees:
Industrial Relations Committee, Housing Committee, Public Relations Committee,
and Executive Committee. Mr Brewster stated that he had, acting on authority
vested in him as President, abolished the Research Committee, per as, inasmuch
as he felt that research in any given field could not be set apart from the
it dealt. The Board supported this action and
accepted the definition of committee functions.
body of knowledge with which
Minutes of Board Meeting -5
Mr Berry mentioned that it would be necessary, from time to time,
to set up temporary conmiittees and special committees, in addition to
the aforenained standing committees.
Mr Brewster felt that the Executive Committee should grow naturally;
that it should be made up of the officers of the Urban League. He felt1
further, that for the time being the organization should work as an entire
Board.
The Board approved the recommendation that Mr Berry should write
letters to all the persons formerly comprising the Research Committee
officially advising them that it has been abolished.
6. Mr Berry read an article by Carey McWilliams which appeared in PM,
New York daily newspaper, dealing with racial tensions and extremely
bad Negro-white relationships in Portland. This article criticized the
City administration for its complacency and failure to attempt any
solution to the problem.
7. Mrs Corbett, Reverend Stone, Reverend Clow, and Mr Oliver Smith brought
to the attention of the Board recent editorials appearing in local daily
newspapers which indicated an improvement in the editorial policy of these
newspapers with regard to equal opportunity for 1egroes.
The Board approved the suggestion that Mr Berry send letters of commendation to the editors. of these newspapers on their editorials. These letters will
go out over Mr Brewster's signature.
8. Reverend Stone suggested that some publicity be gotten out on Mr Berry,
the office personnel, etc. Mr Brewster suggested that this be sent through
the Community Chest publicity department.
The meeting adjourned 5:30 PM.
I
C4
Julia B Smith, Secretary
(
r.
MINUTES OF REGUL.R MESTING OF BOJU) OF DIFEOTOR8
URBT LEAGUE OF PORTLAND, JULY 6, 1945
Reception Room, Office of Dr Unthank, 4:30 P M
Presiding: Mr William L Brewster, Jr, Chairman
Present:
Reverend J J Clow
Mrs Elliott Corbett
Mr James Haxni it on
Mr B B MaoNaughton
Mr Harry A D Smith
Mrs Kenneth F Smith
Mr Oliver Smith
Reverend L 0 Stone
Dr DeNorvaj. Unthank
Mr B C Berry, Executive
Seo1y
The meeting was called to order by Mr Brewster, Chairman. On motion
duly made, seconded, and carried, it was voted that minutes of the last meeting
stand approved without oor1eotion or addit3on.
Report of Reception Committee
Expenditures for the reception on June 24 honoring Mr and Mrs
Berry totaled 11O.1O, itemized as follows:
Printing
37.50
Postage
Groceries (nuts, cake,
punch, eto)
Pa]ms and ferns
Candles
Guest books
Dishwashing
Rental of glasses,
24,00
23.80
8,00
.90
79O
400
punch bowls
il0.1O
Approximately 500 persons attended the reoeption, including both
Negro and white citizens. The reception was highly successful in introducing
the Urban League and its personnel to the oommunity
Financial Report
The Treasurer, Mr Harry Smith, gave a financial report of the
Urban League operation from its inception to June 30, 1945. Disbursements
totaled 23O3.94, distributed as follows: Salaries, 11OO; Operating Expenses, 654,27; Purchase of Equianent, 549.67. Receipts from Community
Cheat for the same riod totaled 220O; memberships amounted to 64.00
Board Meeting -2
Urijan LeagueIembership
The Executive Secretary reported that to date 10]. persons have
joined the League. No intensive membership campaign was used to secure these
members. Folders on Urban League's progxam and policy were distributed at the
Reception on 'June 24, and about 52 persons joined immediately. One thousand
letters and copy of our interpretative statement have been sent to persons whom
we feel. to be interested in our program; we have not begun to receive answers
from these persons, however0 Mr Berry emphasized the urgent need for membership
and urged that Board members individually do everything possible to secure members
for the League.
Mrs Corbett complimented Mr Berry highly on the interpretative statement which he prepared for distribution to persons interested in the league.
Mr Brewster felt that the most effective methods of securing membership are meetings, forwis, and direct mailing campaigns.
Mr Berry informed the Board that Mr lester Granger, National Urban
League Executive Secretary was in the office for two hours on June 30. Mr Berry
stated that Mr Granger was quite interested in Our securing as many members as
possible. Mr Granger felt that the interpretative statement on Urban League was
the best ever done, and he carried some of the folders back for use in the National
office0
Discussion of Budget - 1945
As a preliminary statement, Mr Smith explained that the budget on which
we are now operating was approved when the Urban League was being formed and without any figures or expenses on which to rely. The original budget committee was
really guessing about figures for individual budgetary items. The budget was
revised for 1945 from the original figure of 8675.10 to 8976.74. However, we
are requesting 8426.74 from Commiiity Chest, and we anticipate 55O00 from
memberships and gifts0 It was generally felt that there would be no question of
the Chest's approving this revised budget for 1945. Mr Ralph Reed indicated
in January, 1945 his willingness to regard the suggested budget as tentative,
pending the employment of an executive and the actual beginning of the operation.
Discussion of Budget * 1946
Mr Smith presented the budget request for 1946, which totals 15,866.92.
Mr Smith explained to the Board that this total had been arrived at from deliberations of the President, he Treasurer, and the xecutive Secretary. The large
increase is due to the anticipated employment of an Industrial Secretary, stenographer,
and with some increases in supplies and work expenses for this additional personnel0
This budget was discussed in comprehensive fashion.
Corbett
questioned the item of 250 for travel, in view of present 'ravel Mrs
restrictions0
Mr Berry explained that the item was inUended for travel to the conferences of
the National Urban League and a National Conference of Social Work. He added
that if conditions were si.thh that such conference was not practical, the item
would not be needed. He also pointed out that this item had been increased,
anticipating the employment of an industrial secretary0
Board Meeting -3
At the Chairman's reqi.at Mr Berry stated why he felt the mploy-
ment of an indttrial secretary is imperative. He said that the job on the
industrial front is the toughest that we have to work on in Portland, Ap-
proximately 9/o of the employed Negroes now in this area are world.ng in ship
yards in Portland and Vancouver, and that we may expect between 8 and 10 thousand to remain in this area, There are now no more jobs available for Negro
people than there were prior to the war, in stable industries. These persons
must have jobs, before everything else., There is needed, Mr Berry stated, a
full-time staff employee working with employers, union officials, applicants,
in order that the applicants may be screened and interviewed and sent only on
jobs for which they are entirely capable, well-qualified, and adaptable, This
is a tremendous job, requiring much follow-up work, the searching of facts and
ascertaining work habits, etc, of applicants, in addition to interviewing
employers, labor leaders, and trying to break dovm and eradicate prejudices which
prevent the employment of Negro people in all types of jobs. The executive Secre-
tary could then devote his entire time to the areas of supervision, interpretation,
education and welfare needs, recreation and housing, specifically; and generally,
to the over-all picture of Negro integration into full community life, as well
as agency administration0
There is no other agency in the city doing this job presently, or
equipped to do this job. There is an office of Vocational Opportunities for
Negroes in the city. Although Mr Berry has had conference with Father Tobin,
its chairman, and with Mrs i wie Rimnels, its employee, it is still uncertain
what its functions are. While it seems that this office may be attempting to
perform in the manner of an employment referral agency for Negroes, even in
that capacity it has not yet dnonstrated it effectiveness. The source of i±bs
support is unknown.
The industrial secretary in the Urban League program will do primarily an administrative job0 The Urban League knows, for instance, that
there are Negroes qualified to d.c skilled, professional, clerical, and other
jobs from which they have been excluded. The job of the industrial secretary
will be to find the persons and fit the person to the job, while at the same
time giving staff service to our industrial relations committee.
Mr Hamilton stated that since this would be apparently a particularly important and strategic job, an experienced and competent person
in the field of industrial relations should by all means be employed for
the work. He suggested that in order to assure ourselves of getting the best
industrial secretary available the salary should be raised from 3O00 to 3600.
I-b was moved by Mr MacNaughton and seconded by Reverend stone that
the budget figures as presented to the Board be accepted and presented to the
Community chest, with the figure changed from 3000 to 36O0 per year for the
salary of the industrial secretary.
MOTION PASSED.
The revised budget for 1945 and the proposed budget for 1946 will
be presented to the Community Chest budget committee on Thursday morning, July 12
from 900 to 9:45. It was asked that as many Board members as possible attend
this budget hearing in order to interpret the budget and the agency needs,
and in order that Community Chest budget committee may have tangible evidence
of the Board a backing of the projected program
Board Meeting -4
Discussion of Cozmnittees
Mr Brewster told the Board that he had appointed Mr
Thomas
Tongue III as chairman of the industrial relations committee, and Mr Harry
D Smith as chairman of the public felations committee. These committees
will be named in conference with the chairmen and the executive secretary.
imuittee activity
will
begin immediately.
Mr Brewster stated that housing is a particularly difficult job.
He is trying to find someone who is forceful and has honest convictions; he
would prefer a business man rather than a professional man. Mr MaoNaughton
suggested Mr Gartrell for this chairmanship. Mr Gartrell was formerly the
chairman of the Portland Housing .kuthority.
Other Business
The Chairman asked Mr Berry to give a brief report on his
activities0 Mr Berry's report included:
Made 11 speeches before
War Manpower Commission
Interracial Fellowship Club
Albina Community Council
anerican CampingAssoc.
Catlin School .A.ssembly
Retail tore Personnel .ssoc
Civic Unity league - vancouver
Linfield College - MoMirinville
Intercultural Workshop
Buc1an Community Council
Held, conferences with
Bell Telephone personnel manager
War Manpower Commission executives
Personnel manager - Kaiser
26 job counseling interviews
22 conferences with agencies, schools,
union officials, and church organizations
8 conferences with Portland Housing authority
staff wor1rs.
Served on Review Committee - Council of Social Agencies
Blected to Bxeoutive Committee, Amer Assoc of Social Workers,
Oregon Chapter
Mr Berry reported that the conference with the personnel manager
for Kaiser revealed that the superintendent of Swan Island has requested
that
Board Meeting -5
no more Negro women be reoriñted or hired for work there. The basis for
this decision was a survey comparing the performance of Negro women with
Negro men. This oomparisn is not fair, according to social research
methods. (It does show that employers are already planning to displace
Negro workers as soon as oubbacks begin and that they plan to have figures
on the performance of Negro workers, though grossly inaccurate and inapplicable,
to hIpot that Negroes are not good workers. The survey may be intended to
set forth the performance of Negro women in an unfavorable lighb. If such a
study is made public, it will have a definite negative effect on achieving the
goals of the industrial relations progrem of the League.
Mr Berry comniented bf1iefly on his idea of formulating plans for
a "Hold Your Job" Gempaign in order to make Negro workers realize how impor-
tant it is to give a top-notch performance on every job they now hold, in
attempt to consolidate some of the industrial gains made during wartime.
an
Mr Berry reported that he had completed arrangements for the purchase of a house on Roselwwn Street.
The meeting adjourned 5:45 P M.
4
Mrs Ienneth
/
(
F
mith, Secretary
URBAN LEPGUE2 OF POFT L1D
6 W Sicth Avenue
Port land
MINUI'ES OF
TING OF BOARD OF DIRBOTORS OF URBAN LEAGUE
Dr Unthankts Of fioo, September 7, 1945, at 4:00 P M
Presiding: Mr William L Brewster, Jr, President
l The meeting was called to order by Mr Brewster, Chairman, at 4:05 P M.
2
Roll Call - Present were:
Mrs Elliott Oorbett
Reverend J J Clow
Mr James Hamilton
Mr Roy Hill
Mr E B MaoNaughton
Mr Harry Smith
Mrs Kenneth Smith
Reverend L 0 Stone
Dr DeNorval Un'chank
Mr Edwin C Berry, Exec Sec'y
5,
Minutes of the last meeting were approved as submitted.
4. Report on Industrial Committee
Mr Berry reported on the progress of the Industrial committee0 Mr Thomas Tongue,
Chairman of that Committee, has done an excellent job to this point, The Committee has
held one meeting, at which eight members were present. All members feel eexily the
necessity of having actual and faotual data regarding the Ngro population in this area,
as well as an accurate tabulation of their iob skills and past performance0 Consequently,
there is being conducted a survey designed to secure thia information in the three housing projects at Vanport, Vancouver, and Guilds Lake. Th Committee has outlined certain methods of procedure regarding job applications, job placement, relationship with
WEE, and the actual screening of individuals for placement.
Mr Berry feels that the Industrial committee needs to be enlarged to include
ployers and persona from Vancouver and Guilds lake,
em-
Dr Unthank reported that a subcommittee from the general Industrial Committee
had one meeting with Father Tobin's Committee for Interracial Principles and Pra
tices, The purpose of this meeting was to formulate plans for cooperative relations between the Urban League *s Industrial Committee and the Office for Vocational Opportunity0
This 000perative planning would eliminate the confusion, duplication of effort and ultimate misunderstanding; and would al1w for the smooth transfer of information on
applicants and on work orders between the two offices. Dr Unthank' reported that no
concrete plans were made at the meeting. thembers of Father Tobin's Committee were defensive and. resisted committing themselves to 000peratiori
ha
Industrial eoreta.ry
Mr Berry reported that all Urban League affiliates have been circularized regarding the opening for an Industrial Secretary. To date, 12 applications have come in.
He feels that three of these applications appear extremely good0 The National Office
5
Minutes -2
has been asked to send the complete papers on these three persons to the Board in order
that all the information on these individuals may be available to us when we are ready
to make a decision,
A notion by Mrs Corbett, seconded by Mr MacNaughton, and carried by the Board
authorized the officers of the League in conference with the Executive Secretary to
select a man for the post of Industrial Secretary from the applications on file.
6
Report on Survey of Negro Population
With the cooation of the Portland and Vancouver Housing Authorities, the League
is conducting a survey designed to secure accurate nd up-to-date data on the Negro population. The immediate purpose of the survey is to ascertain the employment and residential plans of the Negro population, in addition to securing the actual count of persons
who plan to live in this area permanently, what their skills and work experiences are,
what their educational background has been, eta. ihen the survey is compiled, the Urban League and its ooxmnitteeswi1l have available an accurate base on which to plan
for the needs of the Negro population of the Portland area.
This houzeto-house survey is being conducted at Vanoouver and Guilds Lake by
the Project Services staff. At Vanport, Mrs Smith reported, the project services staff
is giving full time to the survey, and is being assisted by 20 Urban League volunteers0
The Vanport Housing authority is giving complete cooperation and has turned over to the
interviewers the full use of its facilities. Mrs Smith commented that she felt it extremely complimentary that the Executive Secretary has done suoh an excellent job of
interpretation as to secure the assistance from the housing authority officials and the
enthusiasm of the Urban Le.gue volunteers.
The survey is expected to be completed by October 1, 1945, The material will be
tabulated by statiticins .trom the Housing Authority, and will then be available to the
League for further analysis.
Mr Berry stated that he would like to see this 'study compiled and made available
to the general public. He feels that all of the agencies working with and for Negro
people would be benefited by this study. Nor survey conducted in this area so far
has been adequate for any sound interracial community planning.
7
Work with United States Employment Service
Mr Berry reported to the Board that he was quite encouraged with the relationship
the League has been able to establish with the local USES. Mr Bagan, USES dirèotor,
has indicated the need for assistance in dealing with Negro applicants. They recognize
the poop job they have done with Negro applicanta,and they now want to do a better and
more thorough jpb0 Mr Berry has had a series of meetings and conferences with the supervisory staff at USES, and with other interviewers on the lower level who actually come
in contact with applicants. USES officials indicate that they have two main difficulties in this regard; (1) getting all the information they need from Negro applicants themselves; and (2) getting employers to place orders or Negro workers, o further oomphate the situation, most interviewers at USES have, heretofore, asstuncd that unless an
employer specifically stipulated he would hirs Negro workers, they have concluded that
the employer did not want Negro workers ttfter conferences with supervisors, Mr sagan
has invited Mr Berry to use the facilities of the USES office to investigate; to sit
iii on conferences at their office; and to make recommendations back to them. They will
also share with us any information or figures they have available, Each morning the
supervising plaercierit director will have his secretary call our office and give us the
list of job openings for Negroes. Mr Bagan has told all his supervisors to use the
services of our office for any information and assstanoe they need, mxm From the
applications we process, we will refer the best applicants to USES for placement. Also
whatever job orders we reoeive from the outside will be cleared through USES, so that
JTG
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MfNUTES OF BOLRD MEETING
Urban League of Portland
6 SW 6th Avenue
Dr Unthank's Office, Dec 7, 1945
lo
he meeting was called to order by Reverend Stone, Vice-chairman at 4:15 P M0
Reverend Stone announced that Mr Brewster was absent fran the city because of
an important business conference, but had requested that the Board Meeting
take place as scheduled in spite of his absence.
2
Roll Gall
Present were
Mr Kelly Fcater
Mr Do
Green
Mr Roy Hill
Mr Harry A 1) Smith
Mrs Kenneth Smith
Reverend L 0 Stone
Dr DeNoryal Unthank
Mrs Clifford Walker
Mr E C Berry, bcec Seo'y
3, Minutes of the last meeting were approved as submitted0
4. Report of Dr Jacobs' visIt
MrBirryrpported that Dr Jacobs reached approximately 1750 individuals
while here. In addition to his appearance at Library Hall, he spoke to 50 teachers
at Grant I.gh Sohool and to the students and faoulty of Washington High School.
There were additional requests for him to speak at several other schools and to
the teachers at Vanport0 Dr Joobs plans to return in April to try to fill some
of these requestso He has also consented to do a folder on scientific facts about
race which may be published by the Urban League0
Bzrd members present at the meeting at iibrary Hall felt that the presentation was very timely, and that the type of questions indicated the keen interest
of the audience, Attendance approximated 450 persons0 Benson High School was suggested for large membership meetings; Io So, Langston Hughes Meeting0 Several
members expressed the thought that Lincoln High might be more accessible for a
large number of people0 The final decision will be left to the ccmmiittee in charge0
5,
DIsoussion of the Newsletter
6.
Constitution amendments
it was the consensus of opinion that the newsletter was an extremely good
publicstion0 Mr Berry reported that the editorial had been reprinted in the Reed
College newspaper, a local newspaper, by the weekly bulletin of the Vanport City
S000ls, and a request to use it in a national educational publication. The League
of Women Voters requested 50 extra copies. Along with many other requests, this
brought the total re-run to 350 copies0
Mr Berry explained that there are a number of things about the Constitution
that do not permit us to functIon properly:
a. The Constitution provides for only one vice president; we already have
two vice presidents.
b. According to the constitution, the Board should consist of 15 persons.
intio :kip ttrttc
t
r 3orry zpititod that oro woo imvo a trztii
tioio aa tby oiot iri to outh,
oitiona
vvw1di
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or vfaotticn with
iittion
d rnc10
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ut
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it in tiflU <
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that the
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r Jorry ioo1a tht uitblithiii utatdard
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ioloton f
stated that a oo4ttoo -411 bo orented
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ao
ttho Ito
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e wi 11
eL
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tO2WOt) ed to the oeho:l aao*i1y of enhiriton Tt
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ort rpr000iutioi on thr-t xxittoo,
Board Meeting -2
We need to enlarge the Board so as to include a more representative groupe
Brewster has suggested that we should have at least 21 members.
Mr
If Our Board is to be enlarged, our constitutional provision that five
members be elected each year would have to be changed to seven members elected
each yearo
a0
Our constitution calls for a nominating onnittee of 3 persons
seems desirable that this number be enlarged to 5 or 7 persons0
It
00 Our constitution makes no provision for the general membership to
present nominations for Board of Directors. In an organization such as ours,
people who have shovn enough interest to join should have the privilege of suggest-i
ing persons to serve on the Board0 Mr Berry suggested that any 10 members of the
organization should have the privilege of submitting nominations, in writing, to the
secretary of the Board,. 3 days before the election at the Athual Meeting0
f. Our constitution defines the time for th
annual meeting to be held
during the first two months of each calendar yearo The qstion was raised whether
we should have an annual meeting in January or February of 1946, when we will have
been in operation for lees than one year, or whether we should wait until May or
June0 This point was not decided0 Mr Brewster will appoint a Constitution Can
inittee and a Nominating Committee0
Other Business
1, Mr Green expressed the opinion that
Board meetings shoul.d be held
twice a month, because of the urgency of certain matters
2
The praotioality of approaching the President of the Restaurant Owners
.ssooiation regarding the ttahjte Trade Only signs was discussed0. Mr 43mith stated
that he has already talked with him, and that the Association
controls only the
restaurants in the downtown section, none of which have pu up ttwhite Trade Only
signs0 Mr Berry believes that the only way discrimination
can be properly curbed
is through a oity ordnance, and that the time is not yet right for
the passage of
such a city ordnance, He believes that we should speed
up our public education
program before attempting to have such a iwa passed. He feels that perhaps
the best form of public education would be to have Negroes worldng in
positions where
they can be seen0 This also gives hope within the Tegro group to children and
adults alike0
3. Mr Berry reported that the employment
situation for Negroes is getting
worse.
have had pratioal1y no calls for male Negro labor jn the last month0
He added that it is important that the general public be aware of the difficulties
Negroes face in this and other phases of living0 If we can increase our membership and more and more public citizens will be getting the facts from ou r publioations and bulletin0
4. Mr Berry informed the Board of aplan to conduct a survey to determii
public attitudes regarding the employment of Negroes in utilities and. retsil trades0
Several colleges have agreed to assist with this surveyo When we get actual statements from thousands of citizens saying they would be glad to have Negroes serve
them in retail trades and public utilities fields, it would lend great weight to
our discussions.
Board Meeting -3
So Mr Berry reported a conversation he had with an employee of the
tate Department of Labor, at which time the employee expressed definite antiNegro attitudes0 (It did not ocour to this employee that he was talking to a
Negro0) The Board feels that this matter should be discussed in detail with
the person concerned, after which the matter m.ht be brought to the attention
of tha Governor0
Ainoun cement a
Captain Dovey M Johnson, WAG, is oning to this area to assist in organizing a GQmnittee for Permanent FEPCO We have promised cooperation
1.
There are many applicants whom Mr Berry has not been able to intervir3w
personally, because of tlie present volivne of work, and beoause of the ].argenumber
of applicants which may be in the office at any one tiins sometimes as many as
60 per day. A letter criticizing this procedure was directed to the office0
This letter was answered satisfactorily0 The fact that Mr Berry cannot interview
Board members should be cognizant
each job applicant is due to a staff shortage
of this situation, in case this point is discussed with them0
2o
àdjourrmient 5:25 P M0
Julia B 3iiiith, 3ecretary