Minutes of Board Meeting
Urban League of Portland
January a, 1949
Those present were:
David Robinson, presiding
Mrs. Mary M. Duncan
Im. brewster, Jr.
Jess Bell
Father Stone
Irving Enria
Father Campbell
Francis Aern
Edwin C. Berry, Executive Secretary
Minutes of the last regular meeting were read and approved. The minutes of the
special meeting on November 19, relative to the .ashington High School Incident,
were read. These minutes were not approved. The president ordered the minutes
rewritten to delete extraneous matter and ordered that those minutes show the
action of the Board which voted confidence in the 11xecutiv.e Secretary relative to
procedure in the Washington High School Incident.
Mr. Robinson then reported action which was taken following this special meeting.
A special committee was appointed to confer with the OREGO1'dM4 Editors. This committee included: James Hamilton, Don Green and Edwin C. l3erry. Mr. Hamilton, Mr.
Green and air. Robinson conferred with OREGONIAN Officials to discuss the matter and
present a statement from the Urban League clarifying this issue. The statement
was printed in full, in a subsequent issue.
Fair Errploment Practices
A briei review on Fair Employment Practices was given. Members and officers of
the new Fair Eknployment Practices Committee were announced and the status of the
Bill was given. After this report, many members of the Board of Directors re-
quested information on what they could do specifically to assist F.E.P. efforts.
Mr. Robinson asked everyone to1p in a general way by contributing time, by joining the committee, and by assisting in creating positive public oinion in connection with the Bill. Mr. Bell and Father Campbell were .ven pecifio assignments
which they agreed to carry out.
Lester Granger
The Executive Secretary presented correspondence indicating that Lester B. Granger,
our National Executive Director, would visit us on. January 26 and 29. e pointed
out that certain conferences and appearances had been arranged for Mr. Granger. A
conference with the Community Chest and Council of Social Agencies' staffs, and three
radio addresses had been scheduled. The Executive Secretary recommended a membership meeting and a Board Meeting during Mr. Grenger's visit. ifter consideratlo discussion, it was agreed that we should arranre a joint meeting of Urban LeaEue Board
of Directors, the Council of Social agencies' , and Board of Directors of the Community
Chest, where Mr. ranger would be asked to speak informally, presenting the broad
functions and operations of the Urban League program from a national point of view
and to assit in the clarification of any discrepancies which exist between the Council,
the hest and the local Urban League in philosophy and understanding. It was further
agreed that vie should plan a membership meeting for Friday, "anuary 28, at which
time Mr. '-'ranger would be the main speaker. The xecutive Secretary was directed
to arrange for these meetings.
Neighborhood Secret_y
Mr. Berry reported that we have had, to date, only one suitable nomination for the
Board of Directors
January 21, 1949
Page 2
position of Neighborhood Secretary. He reviewed her personrel record and employmen± profile. She is highly recommended by the 1ational Urban League, the National
Federation of Settlements and by
. Philip Randolph. Mr. Kern moved that the Secretary invite this applicant to Portland for an interview at Urban League expense.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Duncan. Motion passed. Mr. brewster suggested that the
president, the secretary, and the treasurer be authorized to interview and to employ this person if she was nominated by the Executive Secretary and satisfactory
The Executive Secto them. There was no motion, but consensus on this point.
retary was authorized to complete these negotiations immediately.
Community Chest
Mr. berry presented a letter from Ralph iteod, xecutive Secretary of the Chest.
This letter officially notified the League its allocation for the year of 1949
had been approved by the Budget Committee and Chest Board, in the amount of 23,OOO.
The letter also stated that the Budget Committee, in recommenciing the allocation,
felt that the Urban Leaue should be admonished for its action relative to the
Mr. nna, who is a member of the Community Chest
Washington High School incident.
Budget Committee, reported that the matter had been discussed by the Budget Committee but it was the consensus of opinion that the Budget Committee should not
concern itself with matters of programming and methods of the agencies, that such
was the concern of the Council of Social Agencies. Following a discussion on this
matter, it was decided, and agreed by Mr. Enna, that he would discuss this matter
with other members of the Budget Committee, with Mr. £teed, and would review the
minutes of the meeting of the Budget Committee, to ascertain exactly what happened.
He agreed to report back to the Urban League at a subsequent meeting.
Kealty Board
Mr. Robinson reported briefly on the action of the Realty board in expelling a
he
member for selling property in a restricted district to a Negro family.
pointed out that there had been conferences with the Realtor and with the family
The newspapers' accounts had been somewhat muddled,
who purchased the property.
but the sale of the property had become final. The egro family owns it and will
take possession in June. The property is presently being rented to the former
owner who will continue to reside in it until the completion of a new home which
they are now building.
TemDorarv Committees
The Board appointed and charged the following committees:
Annual Meeting Committee - Mr. Brewster, Mr.
ern, and Mr. Ivey, Chairman
Nominating Committee - Dr. Joyner, Mr. Plumxner, and Dr.
Meeting adjourned 12:01 p.m.
i.C. Dvis, Chairman
Urban League of Portland
oard of Directors
April 26, 1949
Those present were:
1.
L
(l}'
Dr. Davis, Mr. Gantenbein, Mr. Plurnzner, Rev. tone, Lir, brewster,
Mrs. Read, Mrs; Smith, Mrs. )uncan, Mrs. Corbett, and Mr.
Robinson, presiding.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved without correction.
2. Mr. Robinson took the occasion to welcome Mrs. Smith and Mr. Gantenbein as members of the Urban keaue Bosrd of Directors. Ho assuredthem that the Urban
League was appreciative of their interest and willingness to assist in the important job ahead. He stated that we value their service ant. would Rave reason and
need to call on them for advice and guidance during the coming ysar. Mr. Robinon reported that the other two newly elected directors, unable to be present,
were Mrs. Hilmar Grondahi, who was ill, and Lawson McCall who was absent because
he had become a father that morning.
3. Fair
np1oyment Practices Report
Mr. Robinson reported on Fair Emp1oment Practices and brouiht our Board up to
date on F..P. activities since our last meeting. He outlined the overa]J. effort
and the very important part the Urban Leaue had played in helping to secure the
legislation. Mr. Robinson expressed the opinion that the Urban League would be
called upon many times in the future to work and work hard in making the opera-
tion of this law successful; and that one very important job that we have ahead
is to encourage Negro youth and adults to make maximum use of training oppor-
tunities in order that they might take advantage of new work outlets which will
become available to them now that discrimination because of race or religion has
been made illegal in our State.
- Mr. irev1ster requested to know the attitude of the labor commissioner
relative to this law and race relations and whether or not an appropriation had
Discussion
been finally made. Mr. orry commented, in answer, that 3O,OOO had been appropriated and earmarked for the administration of the Fair Ltnp1orment Practices Law, end
that the commission:r of labor had an open mind on matters related to race although
he is unskilled in such matters,
Rev, itone and :ir. Plummer reitarated the most important thing that we can do in relation to F..P. is to impress upon kegro youth the importanco of staying in school
and becoming skilled and eminently ;:ell trained so that they are fitted to take
their place in. all walks of life, both vocationally and osychologically.
M\ Robinson read a letter from the public relations
offco of the Pine Ilidustrial Relations Committee, Inc.,
aOO Stewart-]rew Bui1din, Kiamath Falls, Oregon and
8lgxxed by C. L. Irving, Secretary, on F.E.P.
ions oifice oi a large roup of
al the mul] mearuvig of Fair -rnth. xnloJers' 0raup prepae
'iosb
rco
iferevice
ci
e.s
t is a
soie inc casicu. tat
ami
e sessl-t
r
/
ban League of Portland
óard of Directors
pri1 26, 1949
2age2
4.
Civil :ughtsodinaroe
Mr. Rebinson asked Dr. merry to read the Civil hights Ordinance as printed on the
petition sponsored and circulated by the Oiizens Committee for Civil Rirhts. Lir.
nobinson then reported that the ayors Oommittee on
Relations is now at
work drawing up an ordinance on civil rights which will be reported out soon and
submitted to the Mayor and city council, with dignity and with full prestige of
the Mayor's own committee. Mr. hobinson poineed out that the efforts of the civil
rights committee had been initiated by a few people during the heat of the F.E.P.
campaign. They had been asked and plead with not to bring out the civil rights
issue during the P.s.P. campaign, because after due deliberation, most interested
persons in Portland and the tate of regon, had concurredthat it was unwise to
muddy P.R.?, waters with the civil rights issue. But this group had persisted
in spite of all the persuasion responsible people in the community had exerted
upon thorn. ar,
avis pointed out that aome of the original sponsorship of this
ordinance was questionable and. that he felt, as did many of the persons with whom
he had talked, that their sponsorship on this, or practically anrthing else, would
insure its defeat,
e recommended that the Urban League should not affiliate with
the Citizens Com-ittee for Civil Rights Ordinance,
ev, Stone felt that we could
be of better service to this community in obtaining an ordinance if
we gave full
cooperation to the iiiayor' s
ormaittee and their efforts relative to the ordinance.
Motion - Rev. tone moved and it was seconded by Lire. Duncan
that the Urban Lieague
ivo full cooperation and support to the i4yor' s Committee in their
efforts to
obtain a civil rights ordinance for the city of Portland.
Motion carried.
6.
e0j0
of Officers
Dr. Davis, chairman of the Rominating Cormnittee, aresented the following
officers:
Mr. Robinson, Chairman
late of
Mr.Plummer, Vice Chairman
Mr. Ivoy, Vice chairman
Mr. Jlicdall, decretary
Dr. Unthank, Treasurer
Dr. :avis xplained that the committee had deliberated with extreme care and de
termined that this was the best possible slate of officers to guide us through
the coming twelve months of operation which auld be a crucial period for race re
lations in our communit.T. Re stated that r. Robinson had been drafted to serve
another term as president in view of the fact that this would be a trial ycar for
the P.-.P. proDram. and the committee felt that ::Lr. Robinson's leadership was needed
this year more than ever. Mr. Robinson accepted with reluctance, explaining that
his reluctance was in nowise related to his unwilliniess to work but ha felt it
was an unwise policy to continue the same erson at the helm of an organization
such as the Urban -eague for too long a period.
Motion - A motion by Lire. 5rnith and. seconded by Rev. St2ne that we accept the slate
of the nomination committee. Motion carried and officers were elected unanisiously.
-'-'c'fa OI J1reoGos
Me.y 24, 1949
-3-
could best be accomplished by personal contact, -belephone contacts and/
or notes on personal stationary.
and Board Members agree to follow
2.
List of delinquent members be set u
them up.
3.
Special meeting of Board be called for selectin
assigning to Board Members for contact.
4.
LoZir
e advisabi]2y
se-b
delinquent imbers and
up a membership conmiittee.
There was no motion but concensus at this point.
4.
Coordination of Efforts in Race I?elations
Mr. Berry asked for consideration of a plan for the Urban League to initiate activity to form a council of organizations interested in Race Relations. This
group,if successfully organized would be composed of organizations interested in
The Council would bring the groups closer toimproving intergroup relations.
gether, keep them better informed and enable us to present a unified front on
significant issues.
This matter was tabled with the understanding that it could be considered at a
subsequent date, It was agreed by all Board Members present that;
5.
1.
Past efforts to form a council had met with utter failu::e.
2.
We should concentrate on strengthening the Urban League at this time.
3.
That Urban League staff should provide these several organizations
with more informative materials.
Neighborhood Secretary
Mr. Berry reported that the search for a competent person continues. He stated
that we have requested referrals from National Urban League Placement Service,
all schools of social work and each o our affiliate Urban Learues. No luck for
o exceptional ersons who are interested
the salary we areoffering. We have
One
is
Mrs.
Runnels,
a former employee who wuld be
at an increased salary.
excellent. He stated that oorrespondence was being exchanged and he might have
a recoTmnendation to make in the next few days re this applicant.
6.
.Announcemen-bs
National Urban League Conference in Denver, September 4 - 9. Denver Urban League
ll Board Members urged to attend.
and University of Denver co-hosts.
Mr. Berry outlined projects which are being planned:
Clinic
1. Workers
2.
Class in ilerchandizing
3.
Project with iltnomah County Public Welfare Coximdssion to analyze
cases of Megro relief recipients who are employable in an effort to
assist them in finding suitable employment.
Meeting adjourned at 12:06 p.m.
LUA
U
2
Board of Directors
y 24, 1949
Those present were:
The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Robinson.
Mr. Kern, Mrs. Corberb, Mrs. Grondahi, Mr. Brewster, Mr McCall, Rev. Stone, Dr.
Unthank, Mr. Pluimner and Mr. Berry.
The minutes of the erevious meeting were read. I was the suggestion of Mrs. Corbett
that the name of the group of enrnloye's who wrote the letter urging their members to
abide by the P.R.?. law be inserted into the minutes. It is the Pine Industrial Relations
Commitee, Inond the letter was written by Ches-ter Irving. Mr. Brewster suggested that
the word disbursed should replace the word allocated in the section under Neighborfact
hood Secretary so that they would read - "There was concern expressed about t}
that we had not yet filled the position although the Community Chest had disbursed
The
to us, during the past five month period, money for the salary of this person.
minutes were approved with these corrections.
1.
Review Committee Reports
Mr. Brewster reported that several members of the Board had met with members of
the Council of Social Agencies Review Committee and John Whitelaw in Mr. Berry's
office on May 12. Robert Neighbor chaired the Review Committee Meeting. Most
The most imof our problems were new to the members of the Review Committee.
portant thing discussed was whether or not the Urban League was wise to ever
take a public stand on contraversial matters - i.e. the ashington High School
inident and Urban League action in connection with the Realty Board. All
mhers present at this time were firm in the opinion that
Urban League Board
we had to continue to assume leadership. It was Mr. CrwsterTs thought that a
wore correct interpretation of our activties could be given to the Council,
'hest and. Review Committee if we could make them understand that public statement comprise a very small part of our total activities; that we do not intend
to fill the newspapers with sensational stories. They do not seen to understand
this.
Discussion of Review Committee Report
A spirited discussion disclosed:
1.
Present review conmi.ttee members seem to lmcw too little about our total
program.
2.
The emphasis on public releases is unwarranted since it is a very small
part of our program.
3.
There is some antagonism toward the Urban League revealed by activities of
the Review Committee, but not by the Executive Committee of the Council.
The Executive Commit-bee has always given full suport to Urban League efforts.
4.
ThB5Review Committee seems more concerned with the possibility thai; some
big givers may be offended than with the quality of our program.
5.
We have no quarrel with the Chest allocations to the League.
cations have increased regularly each year.
6.
Our program must continue to be aggressive, alert and courageous.
7
e must conceive improved methods of interpretating our full program to
Chest and Council.
These allo-
Board of ijrectors
24,
2.
l9v
Conumrnity Education Committee
Mr. Berry recommended a standing committee on coimmnity education.
Composition of Committee;
Persons skilled and interested in interpretation of race relations to include reresentatives of press, radio, public schools end Urban League
Board,
Purpose:
To tell and get told the story of race relations in our community in a
dramatic, realistic and acceptable way; to influence the xe dia for dissemination of information to become alert to interracial implications, in
the news and to opportunities to assist in improvig'relations in our
This committee will have the responsibility of selling the Urban
town.
The CornLeaue and. Urban Lea:ue philosophy to the people of Portland.
ni!ttee shall guide staff in preparing releases brochures, reports; shall
prepare material for release and shall guide the staff as to type and
This committee shall have freedom of operaquality of regular releases.
tion in all areas whereUrban League policy has been established and defined. In questionable areas this committee shall obtain approval from
the Executive Committee of the Urban Leadue or Urban League Board of
Directors.
It was the motion of Mr, tern thata standing committee on public education
The motion was seconded by
be established and appointed by the President.
Mr. Moall and carried.
Mr. Robinson appointed Mr. McCall as Chairman of this Committee.
ca;ed other members would be appointed subsequently.
3.
He mdi-
How Can We Double Our Membership
Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Berry to review the membership situation. Mr. Berry
reported that presently we have ten hundred and fifty members in our a ctive
Most of the
These members are not all paid up for the current year.
file.
dues become payable tiis monti (y). Our revenue from membershies was below
Thor are many reasons
exeectancy last year and is running behind this year.
for this. Foremost among them are:
1.
Vanport flood. We had a few more than three hundred members in Vanport.
Many of these persons were unable to renew. They have otten distributed
in the community. Some have not been locat:d.
2.
Concentration on other activities and no concentration on membership.
3.
No actual membership campaign.
4.
mber of members from our Annual Meeting was disappointing. Ushers were
not efficient In passing out literature and membership blanks.
Discussion;
Discussion which ?ollowed indicated that we should take the following action:
1.
Each Board member should agree to and get ten new mernbersLips; that this
/
j
p
GIL OF SOCIAL AGENCS
240 Terminal Sales Building
Portland 5, Oregon
COUNCIL OF SOCIAL
iC5
REPORT ON CO'1UNITY ORGANIZATION AGENCIES-1949
URBAN LEA.GUE OF PORTlAND
6 S. W, Sixth Avenue
David Robinson
President of Board:
Executive Secretary: Mr. Edwin C, Berry
Mr1
The Urban League of Portland is a member agency of the Portland Community Chest1 The
total budget of the Urban League for 1949 is 26,l21.S5 of which 23,000 is supplied
by the Portland Community Chest. The balance is to come primarily from membership
fees and gifts.
nction an$rvië
(from statements submitted by the Urban League)
"It is a SOCIAL AGENCY with a professional staff, which works day and night to carry
out the functions of the Urban League under the direction of an interracial Board.
"It is a MOVEINT of people of all colors, creeds and national origins who believe
that intelligent cooperation can solve the multitude of minority problems which beset
us; who believe devotedly that the best interests of the community can be served by
the protection of the weakest, most discrganized among us as well as the strongest
Th± mov3ment in Portland symbolIes the hopes and aspirations
and most articuiat
of 10, 500 Negoes, and the social conscience of a great many fa.tr-ninded and informed
white persons
"i2so
(from the Urban League Interpretative Statement)
"The Urban League believes in a single standard of citizenship - identical rights and
The bitter inequalities
opportunities for all citizens, We work for this standard.
--the cruel injustices of discrimination, the League seeks to destroy,"
"The Urban League believes in America and the principles of democratic government; it
believes in Janerican people, their innate love of liberty, their sense of right and
their desire for fair 1ay,"
The Urban League recognizes the presence of a serious problem in Portland and is
cognizant of the need for all people of this community to awaken;. to learn the truth
about each other, to work together, black and white alike; not for a community in
which whites can live at ease, nor a pleasant place for Negroes, but a better city
a finer future for Anerjca,t
for all
pç. (from the Urban League Interpretative Statement)
ttThe Urban League studies economic, social and industrial conditions as they affect
Negroes and uses the findings to acquaint the citizenry of the Portland area with the
true picture of Negro life. The League seeks to expand employment, housing, health,
welfare, educational and recreational opportunity, The League works with existing
organizations and encourages the formation of new agencies and organizations when the
need is established and apparent. It is partidularly interested in action which will
promote interracial understanding and which will reduce and eliminate the causes of
racial tension and violence,"
"The League employs the technique of COOPERATIVE INTERRACIAL PLANNING AND COUNSELLINC4
It uses methods of investigation, community organization, coordination, consultation,
and public education. It employs professionally trained staff workers to guide and
JRBAN LEAGUE OP PORTLAND
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLA.ND (Continued)
ption and Service
(Continued)
assist the E,cecutive Board, corrunittees, and community groups in achieving the stated
It provides a channel of expression which leads to positive social action
purpose,
for the many Negro and white Americans who wish to make democracy a reality,"
The work of the Urban League of Portland falls under four main headings:
1.
2.
3,
4.
Industrial and race relations.
Housing and neighborhood planning.
Personal and vocational counseling.
Public interpretation and education,
Board of Directors
Term ends 1950
Reverend C, N, Austin
Irving &ma
Father George L, CpbeU
Clarence Ivey,
Mrs. Pollyanna
Will C. Davis,
Lawson McCall,
Vice-Pres.
Reed
M,D,
Secretary
Term ends 1931
Jess Bell
Robert Joyner, M.D.
William L, Brewster, Jr.
francis J. Kern
Mrs. Marie Smith
Mrs. Elliott Corbett
Mark Smith
Term ends 1952
Mrs. Mary M, Duncan
Ulysses G. Plummer, Vice-Pres
Peter Gantenbein
Davia Robinsou, President
DeNorval Unthank, M,D., Treas
Mrs. Hilmar Grondahi
Reverend L, 0. Stone
Personnel
Mr. Edwin C, Berry
Mr. E. Shelton Hill
Mrs. Myrtle R, White
Mrs. Gertrude M, Rae
Mrs. Dolores D. Winslow
Executive Secretary
Industrial Secretary
Office Manager
Office Secretary
Part-Time Office Clerk
In addition to employing the office c1er1 since the last Review Report, the Urban
League expects to employ a neighborhood secretary in the very near future,
DeveloiDments AlonE I4nes. of Previous Review (as submitted by the agency)
1.
Housing
'The Urban League has continued to give careful attention to housing problems as
these problems affect the general community and specifically as Negroes are af.
feoted by them.
"The Urban League has worked closely with those organizations particularly identified with the housing scene, During 1948, Mr. Berry served as vice-president
of the Portland Housing arid Planning Associatiori and now serves on the Board of
Directors, Both Mr. Hill and Mr. Berry are members of the Advisory Committee to
the Portland Housing Authority. This is an unusual situation. Seldom do both
Mr. Hill and Mr. Berry serve in the same places. They do, in this instance, because of the importance and gravity of the matter,
This committee is largely
"Mr Berry served on the Stop-Gap Housing Committee
responsible for obtaining permission and money to remodel the Swan Island dormitories for relief of flood victims,
"The Urban League has worked closely with a variety of community groups which hav
dire oted attention to the composition of the Portland Housing Authority, Their
URBAN WGUE OF PORTLAND (Continued)
eva1pments A1pn
Lines of Previous tv
(Continued)
efforta have resulted in an increase in the number of members of the Authority from
five to seven. At least t.io recent appointments to the Authority are representative of the public interest and not a special interest. More equitable treatment
Integration in ocof Negroes in public housing has followed these appointments.
cupancy is in evidence today to a greater degree than at any time in the past.
the area of private housing, the job is much more difficult and progress is
slower. However, the Urban League's counselling service to non-white home seekers
has enabled a large number of persons to purchase decent dwellings outside the
ghetto area. This has been accomplished by counselling with Negro home seekers
and directing them to resources in the community which will make possible the freedom of purchase ocordi.gba: t'ie american code of ethics.
"Some work is presently underway with the Portland Realty Board and with State Real
Estate Commission. The Urban League is hopeful that positive results will be forth
coming. However, these efforts are still in the embryonic stage."
2.fpl'mnt
"The following figures are based on informed estimates.
The Urban League arrived
at them by combining records of unemployment compensation, unions, welfare, school,
church, Housing Authority and the Urban League records,
Total Negro Population - Portland
Vancouver
Portland area
10,500
0O
Total employable
(does not include transient males)
4,500
Total unemployed
ll,O0
700
Male 450
Female 250
"These figures include those persons working at thie time
In the past thirty days
many Negro males have returned to railroad, foundry, and farm labor. It is intere sting to note that the Industrial Department of the Urban League has averaged
Negro workers were hit less
forty-nine placements per month for the past winter,
Part of this was due to the Urban League's work
severely than workers generally.
and part to happenstance, Some occupations severely affected by strikes, shut down,
and bad weather were occupations where'relatively few Negroes were employed, i.e.
logging, publishing and longshore work,
"As of January 1, 1949, there were 52 Negro cases being carried on the general assistance load of Public Welfare. Approximately one hundred of these were transient
Approximately ten percent or fifty-three cases were suppleor semi-transient men
mental help (bread winner worked but earned t'oo little to maintain family according
to standards of health and decency). Some were receiving temporary assistance beThe Urban League estimated, in consultacause of emergency, illness, or injury,
tion with Welfare officials, that about three hundred and fifty families wore on
Welfare where there was an unemployed employable. This, of course, represented a
much lower figure than any of the experts? (including the Urban League) forecasted.
Even this figureMould have been brighter but for the Vanport disaster where one
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
URB1N IAGUE OF PORTlAND (Continued)
Dev1oments. AlonE Lines oi' Previous Review (Continued)
hundred and fifty Negro workers either had their jobs washed out, lost them because of temporary family dislocation, or wore unable to return to work at the
Atomic Energy Commission at Richiand, Washington."
3,
Speakers Bureau
"During the past year, the Urban League haø made use of several speakers in addition to staff. These persons have proved very valuable in interpreting race
relations and the Urban League program. The Urban League expects to step up
this phase of their program the current year."
4,
Forces and Factors Interfering with Accomplishment of Urban League Program
IVjewjflg the race relations scene broadly, misunderstanding and ignorance of the
truth about race and race relations are the paramount obstacles to progress.
"In the February, 1949, issue of the CHRISTIA.N REGISTER, Mr. Berry wrote to this
point under the caption Public Educat, Here follows an excerpt from that article which is applicable:
'The initiation of our program here was based on the following fundamental be-
lief:
1,
There is gross ignorance, misinformation and superstition accepted by otherwise intelligent people, about race,
2.
4ost Caucasians in the Northwest were not bigots, they were bewildered, not
malicious, but misinformed.
3,
Conditins under which Negroes wore forced to live, work, play, and worship
were not widely known to most persons whose lives were untouched by Negroes
and who were, therefore, unconcerned about them,
4,
Most Americans are a part of the great army of 'bystanders'. They are neither
a part of the small forward looking citizens, nor the reactionaries. The bystanders are overwhelmingly possessed with inertia and are likely to be
governed by tradition rather than by convic'ton.
5.
Most business men, politicians, and others in responsible positions believe
all Caucasians are racists unless they have declared themselves otherwise.
6.
Most decisions related to race made by persons in policy-making positions are
based on the crude premise that 'you'll holler when you're hurt', and the
absence of a complaint indicates consensus,
7,
To most community leaders 'the public' excludes Negroes and any other minorities that happen to b a part of the 'out group'.
,
Minority groups are equally as capable of bigotry as those of the majority,
9,
No program for human decency and social justice can be achieved with apologies and defensive mechanisms.
10.
Negroes are in greater need of a courageous, intelligent and forthright program of public relations than any other type of program,t
URN LEtGUE OF PORTL1ND (Continued)
Deve1oment AlonE Lines of Previous Review (Continued)
"During 1948, the Urban Leaguet a Public Education Program ha been intensified.
There is ample evidence of achievement on the employment, housing, edUcation
(schools), and law fronts. More Portlanders and Oregonians are aware of the
It is of greater importance that a
problems related to race than ever before.
great many of these persona have been motivated to act in accordance with this
new awareness,"
5.
Neighborhood Secretary
"Funds for the employment
year. The allocation was
began immediately to seek
have continued constantly
of a Neighborhood Secretary were allocated for this
made official on January 22, 1949. The Urban League
a properly qualified person for the job. Negotiations
To date, no person has been
and are still in progress.
I,
Program Pr000saj (as submitted by the agency)
1.
Employment Rather Than Public Assistance
Thjs project will be conducted jointly by the Multnomah COunty Public Welfare
In this project we will review the cases of
Commission and the Urban League,
employable Negroes receiving help from Welfare, It is our plan to analyze, offer
help and assistance in an effort to place as many of these people to work as posWe have always cooperated closely with the Welfare Commission, However,
this i the first effort which has been made in an organized way to analyze
cases of unemployed people, to find the reason for unemployment and to see what
can be done to correct it, It is done on an eqDerimental basis, both on the part
of the Urban League and the Welfare Commission, and we have no way of anticipatin
resuJ,ts, However, we believe that the project will be successful, in that it is
certain that some of these persons can be assisted in finding employment and We1.'
fare rolls will, therefore, be reduced."
sible0
2.
Worker& Clinic
"This clinic is designed to asit unemployed persons and those wishing to improve their employment opportunity. This clinic will include information and
techniques of finding a job, i0e., dress, manner, how to answer an ad, how to
follow civil service opportunities, kind of information to have readily at hand,
the importance of punctuality and courteous behavior, where to look, importance
of first impressions, how to use Oregon State Employment Service, Urban League,
friends, church and lodge contacts, and private employment services, alao the
importance of purpose, conviction and determination,"
3.
Class in Merchandising
"We have outlined and axe now planning for. the
screened persons interested in retail ale to
tive with the assistance of teachers from the
assist persons interested in such work but who
on the job training. It will also bring store
qualified Negro persons (potential workers)."
presentation of a class for well
be taught by local store execucollege level. This course will
have had no opportunity to secure
executives in contact with well
BAN LE1GUE OF PTLAND
URBPN LEkGIJE OF PORTlAND (Continued)
Propam Proposals (Continued)
4,
Council of Churches
"We have been asked, and have agreed, to outline a detailed program for the Race
Relations Commission of the Portland Council of Churches, This program is intended to directly relate the matters of race relations to moral concepts arid to
attract church members to a down to earth, day to day battle against discriniinations in 'our town', Our contacts with Protestant Churches, Catholic Diocese,
and the Jewish community have been excellent. Urban League objectives have near
unanimous backing from religious groups in Portland."
College Groups
5
"We have agreed to guide the efforts of the Race Relations Committee of the Inter'
Collegiate Council, This group is representative of all Portland colleges and
Maryihuret."
6,
Community Education
"We have just appointed a Community Education Committee of the Urban League of
Portland. This committee is chaired by Lawson McCall, Secretary of the Urban
League arid Radio Commentator. Other members of the committee are:
Tom Sw afford
Journal
Urban League Board
Urban League oard
Gregonia
KPOJ
Luke Roberts
John S. Griffith
Portland Public Schools
Dick Pagan
Peter Gantenbein
Mrs ililmar Grondahi
MalcoLi Bauer
KO IN
"This committee will offer professional and technical advice in our public educaation program. Their job is to sal]. the Urban League, and more important, its
philosophy, to the people of Portland. Our public releases, brochures, radio
programs, eto,, will improve both in quality and quantity."
7. Memberships
"We expect to double our membership and to do it in conformance with our Chest
agreement."
. Coordination
"We shall make further efforts to coordinate work of organizations interested in
race relations."
9, General
"We will continue the type of interracial education aLmed to promote positive
social action by an ever increasing number of Portleziders. The program will continue to reduce tensions, render Portland a more democratic city and to make our
community the 'Nations's Beet in Race Relations'."
URBkN LEkGUE OF PORTLAND (Continued)
The Council commends the Agency for:
1.
The work of the board members and staff on the housing problem, For the past
evera1 years adequate housing has been limited and expensive, Special efforts
have been needed which the Urban League ha helped to provide in order to secure
housing for
Negroes0
2.
Its good record in placing 49 persons a month in employment during the past year,
The average cost for General Assistance in Multncmah County to a family for a
month was $3247 in February Of 1949 as reported by the State Public Welfare CornIf the Urban League can show that one-half of the number of persons
ICS1Cn
placed were men whose families would have been supported by Public Assistance,
This
the annuai. cost on the basis of Iths February fig're would be $24,246
23,O0O
allocated
by
the
Community
Chest
to
the
Urban
figure compares with the
Although
this
may
be
looking
at
the
picture
negaLeague for the year of 1949.
tively and is admittedly only a rough estimate, i-b does point out that the work
of the Urban League in the employment field alone may well have saved the community more than the funds contributed toward support of the League
3.
Accumulating a body of definite information about the needs of Negroes in this
community and for gaining acceptance as a scurce of accurate and reliable inf orThe Review Commit-tee compliments the Urban
mation about our Negro cit zens
League on being asked to supply the Ocuncil of Churches with helpful information
on developing a .'ace relations program and likewise for the similar request from
the InterCo:Llegiate COUnC1L0
4..
The care with which quaU.t3r has been sought in the selection of personnel both
/
the professional and office, and for the active interest of the oard
5.
The decision that public statements and actions
hal1 be carefully ecrutnized
n cases where Uroan League
policy and/or method is noG cLearly understood or thfined
by the Agency oeore puoic
6.
cur.ceme
or act:Lcr.
The specific and comprehensive list of program proposals including the plan to
work out in cooperation with the Multhcnah Csunty ?ahlic Welfare Commiscion a
project to review the cases of amployable Negroes receiving assistance; to analyze, offer help and asit.noe in an effort to place as many of these people
10 work as possible,
Recommendations
The, Council recommends:
1.
2..
That the Urban League continue it work on the housing problem and educate the
community to the social ana finanoic,l eieaa-antages ci a segregatea. dousing
policy
That the Urban League continue to work cosa1y with the Council of Social Agenparticul-r on matters that may involve public
cies and the Community Ghost,
protest0
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND (Continued)
Re conendatjons (Continued)
3,
That the Urban League initiate the neighborhood secretary program as promptly as
possible and establish a sufficient budget to carry on this important work,
4,
That the Urban League publicize more fully and frequently facts as to the number
of employers hiring Negro employees; employers having a sizeabJ.e number of Negrc
on the payroll; number of new or added firms employing Negroes each quarter or
6 month period; and the advantage employers have found in opening employment to
Negroea
.
6
That the Urban League place still greater emphasis on giving factual and physica]. assistance to all organizations interested in securing equal rights for
Negroes so that the work may be carried on constructively by other organizations
and so that the problems of race relations may be presented to the people of our
community by a large representative group.
That the Urban League consider the advisability and practicability of undertaking
a number of studies of which the following are suggestions for bringing useful
material about Fortland1s interracial problems before Portland people:
a,
A residential spot map showing where Negroes are living throughout the community, It would be useful if thiè same map could show the number and locations of Negroes owning their own homes,
b,
A continuing study of the grade and age of Negro children at the time of
(Perhaps the School District should make thia study after
leaving school4
consultation with the Urban League.)
/
c,
A study showing the number of Negroes who are self-employed; those in pro
fessional occupations; and those operating their own businesses.
A sampling study of the major complaints, dissatisfactions, and frustrations
of the Negroes in Portland and similarly for the white residents adjacent to
Negro areaa and also in areas ci' white residents where there are few or no
Negroes.
Re ape otfully submitted,
Mr. R, W. Neighbor, Chairman
Dr. Read Bain
Dr. Joseph P. Cleary
Mrs. Jason Dryer
Mr. George Montag
Mr. Lawrence Shaw
Mrs. Waldemar Spliid
Mrs. Howard Wall
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
OF THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL AGCIES
-
A SA1PL
ORDIN&I
ORDIIIANc1 NO._____
relating to
Police Code by adding a new section
arnending
the
business on
ypee
of
An Ordinance
by certain
discrimination in certain places andnational origin.
account of racd, color, religion or
followa s
The City of Portland does ordain as
contained
that to further the objactives
of
the
State of
Section 1, The Council finds
uited States and the Constitution Portland, provision
in the Constitution of the
police power of the City of
religion in public
Oregon, and as an exercise of the
of race, color ox'
on
account
halth and as an XI'CIOO of
should be made against discrimination
placesj that in the interest of publicalso extend to hospitals, amor quasi-public
regulations should
that civil rights of all
the police power of the City such
funeral conveiances and oometeriesj
bulances, mortuaries,
City should be safeguarded as projoridiction
of
the
Code) herebr
persons within the police
27 of Ordinance No.76339 (Police
therefore,
Article
and to read
vided herein; now,
section to be numbered, entitled
is amended by adding thereto a new
as follows*
PERSONS
ACCOMOflATION SHALL B OPENED TO ALL
PIAChS iF 7UBLIC
CIISTRY OR RATIORAL ORIGIN
Section 16-2702.
BEcAUSE o RACE, COLOR, RELIGION,
shall be entitled
JITBOUT DISCRINA1ON
jurisdiction of the City of Portland
the
police
in all
ad
privileges
AU persons within
advantages, 'acilities
facilities
'cc
the general
equal
accommodation,
to fufl and
offering or holding out services or
rooming houos a
places or businesses
to hotels lodging houses and
but
not
lintited
restaurants or
public, including
Code of the City of Portland,
defined In the License and Business offered to the public generally fox' consumption
transportation,
othex' places where food ox' drink a'e
other places of amusement, public
promises,
thetuers
or
the
general public,
upon the
or other places open ;o
in
office
buildin
:
conveyances
and cemetaries.
public facilities
mortuaries, funeral
hospinals,
ambulances,
proprietor
of
a place of
retail stores,
lessee, manager, or
for
the
owners,
affording
services
or
it shall be unlawful
holding itself out as
City
offering
or
buinoae
business within the
including hut not limited to the
facilities to the general public
against any person in such service or
eontioned in this section to discriminate on account of race, colox', religion,
facility or commodity
sale of priviege,
ancestry or national origin.
Passed by the Council
May of the City of Portland
Attest:
Auditor of the
ity of Portland.
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAi'D
B0LVRD CF DIRECTORS
Special Meeting
July 8, 1949 - 3:00 p.m.
V
Those present were Mrs. Elliott Corbett, Peter Gantenbein, Jess Bell, Rev. L. 0.
Stone, U. G. Plummer, Francis Kern, and David Robinson, presiding.
The meeting was called to order by the President.
He explained the purpose of this
special meeting was to consider three items which require immediate attention. They
are:
1.
2.
3.
1.
Of'ice Space
Budget Hearing
Review Committee Report
Office Space
Our present space is inadequate; the location is poor; and rent has
We agreed on a rental of one hundred and five dollars (l05.0O) per
janitorial service. The landlord raised our rent in March by fifty
(50.0O) per month. We did not accept the increase but have not had
service since that time in lieu of the increase.
been raised.
month with
dollars
janitorial
Mr. Robinson stated that we have found suitable space on the second floor of
the Mciay building, corner of stark and Third, for one hundred and twenty-five
dollars (l25.0O) per month. This includes all services. It is the recommendation of the President and the Executive Secretary that we take this space.
It was moved by Mrs. Corbett and seconded b Mr. Plummer that we accept space
in the McKay Building. Motion carried.
2.
Review Committee Report
Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Berry to read the comments and recommendations of the
tentative report on the Urban League. There was considerable discussion re comment -#5 which reads;
"The decision that the Board pass on all public statements and actions
made in the name of the Urban League before officers release a public
announcement except where Urban League policy and xnethoa have been
clearly defined."
It was moved by Mr. Kern that we request comment #5 be reworded by the Review
Committee to conform with the action of our Board. We suggest the wording as
follows:
"The decision that public statements and actions shall be carefully scrutinized before public announcement or action in cases where Urban League
policy and/or method is not clearly understood or defined."
The motion was seconded by Rev. Stone.
Motion carried.
It was moved by Mr. Pluminer that we request the Review Committee to reword
comment #6 to conform with our difinition of the project mentioned.
Comment
#6 now reads:
"The specific and comprehensive list of program proposals including the
plan to work out in cooperation with the u1tnomah County Public elfare
Commission a project to review individually the case of each employable
Negro receiving financial assistance from the ,gelfare Department."
- 2-
We suggest the following
C
ording:
the
"The specific and comprehensive list of program proposals including
Public
velfare
plan to work out in cooperation with the Multnomah County
Commission a project to review the cases of employble 1egroes receiving
to place
assistance; to analyze, offer help and assistance in an effort
as many of these people to work as possible."
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Corbett.
Motion carried.
There was discussion relative to recommendation
2 which reads:
so'tThat the Urban League continue to work closely with the Council of
Chest,
particularly
on
matters
that
may
cial Agencies and the Communitj
to believe that
involve public protest. The Review Committee contires
expert
its
efforts
on
skillful,
the Urban League should concentrate
the publio
leave
to
other
organizations
service on interracial work.and
protest
el1 that we request the ReIt was moved by Rev. Stone and seconded by Mr.
"work" in line four of
view Committee to strike all words after the word
Recommendation #2. Motion carried.
3.
Budget Hearing
Community Chest is
Mr. Robinson announced. that our Budget Hearing with the
Room at Chest
July
11,
1949
in
the
Conference
scheduled for 9 a.m., Monday,
The
following
committee
Headquarters. lie stated he would be out of town.
budget
requests
was appointed to present the Urban League
Francis ern, chairman
Mrs. Elliott Corbett
Jess Bell
Ulysses G. Plummer
Rev. L. 0. Stone
Peter Gantenbein, and
the Executive Sec±'etary
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
RE:
NATIONAL URBAN LEAUE CONFERENCE
TO:
THE BOARD OF THE URBAN LEAGTJE OF PORTLAND
FROM:
MARK A. StITH, MEBER OF BOARD
It was my good. fortune to have my vacation at the time the
National Urban
Leagi.e conference was being held, in Denver,
September 4-9, 1949.
this league.
I attended. as a member of the board. of
I wish to make an unofficial report to you fellow
members of the board. of my experiences
as a
participant at the
conference.
There were among the over 400 delegates to the conference,
twenty board. members representing a like number of leagues
located. in a like number of states.
At the outset o± the conference the National Urban League
was defined, as a community organization, a social work agency
with its goal the integration of Amerioa's Negro citizens into
every walk of life ia America's communities.
This goal is to
be brought abo,,t by a process of social action giving community-
wiie interpretation and direction to the problems of race through
a program of (1) research, (2) planning, (3) public relations
;. s
and. (4) social service.
m
This proced.irejead. to an adjust-
ment of the social needs 0±' the community in direct relation
to the total reso1rces available to meet these needs.
The conference theme was
Jitizennip.!T
in five days
Dynamio Concepts of American
f workshop seselons we discussed.:
1.
Dynamic concepts in industrial relations.
'V
2.
3
IT
4.
'
U
6.
1?
vocational g'idanoe.
"
race relations.
"
community organization.
"
public relations.
U
research and planning,
Three typical commvnity problems were presented.., and the
actiontaken by the league in each particular commnnity was
disc'ssed.. thoroghly and.. eval"ated.
1.
These projects were:
Elimination o±' the causes of the bad. reputation given
Central avenue o± Los Angeles (an all-Negro thoroghfare comparable
to Portland's Williams avenue).
2.
Equalization of scilcol fiind.s in Atlanta, Georgia, where
a 10-million bond. issue was about to be voted
for the improvement
of white schools, hnt leaving out the Negro schools.
3.
The problem
of foster homes of minority group children
in Boston, where no agency existed to place these fo"ndlings
in suitable homes.
The conference reported that the National TYrban League s
is now composed of 57 affiliates located in every section of
the country, including 10 in the deep south, each with an
interracial board ol' leading Negro and white citizens and a
trained. staff.
:ach is an affiliate member of the community
chest.
The TJrban League movement directs the major oart of its
effort against the barriers to full equality of eoanomic
oprortunity for Negroes.
3
As an example, the Proridence, R,I., leag'e was Tioted. as
assisting its local employment service in making 856 of the
minority worker placements in that city.
Three of the staff of
their local employment service are members of the Providence
Urban League board., and. the lea'ie's industrial secretary is
used. constantly as advisor to the employment office staff.
Records revealed at the conference showed that less than.
25
of referral made by the league are employed--the reasons
ascertained lie equally between still-persisting racial and
religious discrimination and lack of qualifications.
estimated that with increasing unemployment
It was
increased staff
and b'idget will be required to successfully maintain, even this
low percentage of accepted referrals.
A study was made of the Rich Associates report ordersd. by
the National Urban League board..
This research organization
recommended that staffed regional offices be set upabout the
country to bring the work of the national staff closer to the
local leagues.
The report, however, was met with fear in the
national office that the cost of operation and. coordination
problems Woid increase excessively.
The conference proposed. and recommends to the affiliates
that regional committees be created instead. of offices--the
committees to 'cc composed. of a selected. member from each leaguers
board.,
These committees are to meet in their regional areas
ring the w inter and at the leaguers annual conference.
It was also recommended that the National Urban League
4
board be enlarged by at least one regional committee member,
It was agreed that local league activities needing national
office assistance are (1) indoctrinating new affiliate board.
members with the National Urban League's policy and. (2) the
problem of getting new and additional community support of the
affiliates,
The proper function of the local league's board was determined to be that of formation of the affiliate's policy.
The
function of the executive staff is to expedite that policy.
Both are to check and. elear with one another, like the function
of a man and wife,
Suggestions obtained from
joint sessions with other board
members are as follows:
1.
That potential board. member material be invited. from
time to time to sit in on board. meetings as observers in order
that these lay people may learn how the organization is 1ifl.
2.
Seek more friends--influential people who know about
and care about the Urban League's prolems--enoiigh about them
to want to cont±ibute time and. energy and. financial support--
and who have the courage and the desire to stand. up and fight
in behalf of its philosophy.
3.
Study together and evaluate ths regional plan and
national office declaration of pblicy.
in this connection we
are directed. to forward to Reginald Johnson of the national
staff our consideration o± the plan and. policy.
5
4.
members
5.
C"ltivate for consideration 0±' future league board.
infli,ential members of the community chest.
Divide the board into several working committees,
depending on the number of pressing and, critical projects facing
the league.
Work at projects where action is deemed. necessary.
Seek to have associated. with these committees other interested.
leagrie members, Back up the executive staff with these functioning
committees,
6.
Social action must be taken but our social action must
'ce in±erpreted. in social work terms designed. for the greatest
community welfare.
7.
We must point out ways to continuously display member-
ship cards and ether Urban League identifications at all public
meeting
and social affairs.
We must also point out at all
such meetings those present who are Urban League members,
8.
Lester Granger for the future urges unresricted
participation o± local leag'e board, members in the national
conferences.
9.
We must set up and keep open the lines of communication
between our lea"es and the national office.
atmosphere of suspicion between them,
There mst be no
The National League is
no longer a teen-age organisation--we have come of age.
The
National Urban League must be a guide to the local leagnes but
never a pair of handcuffs.
award 1950 and the years
We must look forward. together
ahead.
We must also set up continuous
contact with every person in our coiamunity for the purpose of
6
interpreting to them the Urban League program, and for the
purpose of receiving their continued support for this program.
In a confidential Urban Leage study made by the National
Information Bureau it was revealed at the conference that in
answer to the bureau' s confidential guestion, "What is your
evaluation of Urban Leag:e activites in your city?Tt the Portland
community chest answered,"Aggressive action and, on the whole
very satisfactory.
It may possibly get in our hair through
vigorous work on controversial issues, but our board and executive
are strong and reasonably discreet."
To the question, "Is there any objection on the part;: of
your contributors to the so-called. 'pressure group' activities
of the league?" the answer was "Nothing significant."
7
$pecial mention must be made of the high calibre of speakers drawn to the conference,
Addresses were made by
ich well known Americans as Palmer Hoyt former editor of the
Portland Oregonian and now editor of the Denver Post,Raymond M.Foley,Adxninistator of
the Federal Housing and Home Finance Agency,Comrnander Luther C.Heinz,Director U.S.
the
Navy ROTC proain,Lt.Dennis W.Nelson,Public Relations Officer of the Office of
secretary o
National Defense,Lloyd K. Garrison,New York Attorney,inember of the famed
Abolitionists' family and President of the National Urban League,Charles S.Johnson
Presldent of Fisk University,Charles W Houston,Chairman of National Legal staff of
NAACP,and Richard
J.Purcell,Dean of Public Relations of the University of Denver.
In the workshop sessions,we proceeded to analize the addresses,to evaluate
them and to draw from them projected methods and techniques considered useful to
local leagues and to local communities in our efforts to solve some of our most
pressing social problems.
My evaluation of the conference,from the standpoint of a league board member
is that the conference proceedure of hearing the top research and source people in
the social work field and then in workshop sessions thoroughly discuss the matter
presented,drawing agrreable conclusions and making suitable reccomendation
i
the
best possible proceedure toward attacking especially controversial social problems.
Also,the oppotunity to compare the thiriking,actions and general efficiency of our
league's board and staff with that of many others located throughout the country.
is an exceptionally valuable expierence.There was clear evidence in these workshop
sessions of a serious but healthy difference of opinthons in regard to social action
and public education,particularly in regard to FEPO and Clvii Rights legislation.
My final' impression was that the Portland League and only one or two others were
recognized nationally as in the forefront with a program sufficiently dynamic to
meet present day needs,however there was repeated expressions of hope that other
leagues especially those in the most critically controversial areas couikd attract
support enough to allow them to do a better job of social action and public education
by means of "American Teamwork".The conference itself agreed by resolution that
8
the National Urban League had not taken enough aggresive social action.Jslo a feeling
was expressed by many including a number of league board members that thy forward
movement of the Urban League idea and ideal was occasionally * smothered sometimes
by those giving personal financial support to the local
and National Leagues
and sometimes by members of the local community chest boards.
I was impressed with an idea forwarded at one of the sessions that American
democracy was "on the hook" as it were in the eyes of mans americans as well as in the
the practice
because
of
our
seeming
dilemma
in
regard
to
##.##
eyes of peoples all over the world
of our democratic principles,
#########,but that there was an exceflant oppounity within the framework of the Urban
League movement to get down off tbshook.
A consideration of increased financial aid to the National Urban League Office
from local league areas was given at the conference.The soggestion supported most was
that the amount of local aid be increased to about 4% of the local affiliates
nrival
budget including the locals annual dues.I believe the executive sec±etary is in a
better positthon to explain this planThe suggestion that I was particularly interested
in was that all board and staff members be made,,wembers of the National Urban League
by payment $1 a year regular membership dues,or,5 a year sustaining membership dues
or some one of the other types of national membership dues.A further suggestion was
offered concerning all local league members becoming affiliated with the National
Urban League as dues paying members but most of us felt that we weud not be reads to
entertain such a move until the National office has devised some workable plan
acceptable to local conditions.
To me the conference was a great expierence,and as one board member to another
I wish to state that because of having attended,'the program and true purpode of the
urban League has become for me a much more realistic and important ####ffwork.
and I am more certain than ever that you too will want to have the expierence
of attending one of the conferences in the future.
Mark A.Srnith
(
APPROVED)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
URBAN lEAGUE OF PORTlAND
September 28, l9L.9
The meeting was called to order by the President, David Robinson.
Those present were: Lawson McCall, Peter Gantenbein, Father Campbell, Dr. Davis,
William Brewster, Mrs. Pollyana Reed, Francis Kern, Mark Smith and David Robinson,
presiding. Also present were Edwin C. Berry, Ecutive Secretary and John S. Hofley,
Neighborhood Secretary.
The minutes of the last regular meeting, May 21i., l9Li.9 and the special meeting called
on July 8 were read and approved.
1. Work of Mayor's Conmtittee re Civil Rights Ordinance - Mr. Kern
Mr. Kern reported that a sample ordinance had been prepared and a public hearing
had been called to ascertain public opinion re the ordinance. A copy of this
ordinance is attached.
At the last meeting ol' the Mayorts Committee on Race Relations, it was suggested
that this sanie ordinance be presented to the Mayor with an accompanying report to
show how to make the ordinance work (what things would be necessary) and with the
recommendation that it be presented to the City Council for passage, No date has
been set. for this. Two members of the Mayor's Committee were against this suggestion. One objection was that they felt the Ordinance would not work without paid
staff which would assist in making the ordinance work. Another member felt that
the ordinance was too severe and permitted a warrant to be sworn out by anyone even
though the arrest might later be found invalid. In an attempt to answer both of
these objections, the City Attorney's office has drawn an additional suggested
ordinaxie and several things are involved - it would make the Mayor2s Committee a
permanent commission which could receIve financial support from the. Council; would
create a civil service position and would provide for a director and office space
for this staff. The staff would work with the police to see if some peaceable
agreement could be reached before a warrant was sworn out by an aggrieved indi.v±dual. Ilowever, if the person insisted, a warrant could be sworn out immediately.
Whether or not this supplementary ordinance will be presented will be discussed
at the meeting of the Mayorts Committee today. Mr. Kern felt that since this supplementary ordinance involved money it might jeopardize the passage of the orinal
civil rights ordinance. If this thinking is correot, he felt the supplementary ordinance should not be presented.
Discussion of the Report
Dr. Davis asked what was the general feeling of the City Council toward a civil
rights ordinance, Mr. Kern replied that it was felt that Mayor Lee and Bean would
be favorable; that Cooper and Peterson would be against it and possibly Bowes would
be on the fence If the ordinance is to pass one vote must be obtained from Peterson, Cooper or Bowes.
2.
Introduction of Neighborhood Se ore tary
John Halley, our new Neighborhood Secretary was presented to the Board by the President, Mr. Holley commented briefly on his work to date He stated he had been
on the job sic weeks. He is still going through a process of orientation which in-
cludes numerou.s conferences with ecutives and other members of the staff; visitation to schools and social agencies and attendance at all meetings which relate
-2.-.
to the work of the neighborhood department of the Urban league generally.
ported two projects which he has worked on. They are:
He
re-
1. Back to School Campaign
2. Survey of l9L9 High School Graduates. Incomplete returns indicate that of
fifty-four graduates, twenty have enrolled in institutions of higher learning
and three plan to enroll in the future but financial reasons made matriculation impossible at this time.
Mr. Holley stated that he liked his work with the League very much.
3.
Re;ort on National Urban League Conference - Mark Smith
Mr. Smith made a very comprehensive report on 1Sational Urban League Conference
which was held in Denver Septeither - 9, l9L9. A copy of this report is in
L
official minute book.
Li..
Status of F .E .P. - Mr. Robins on
Mr. Robinson commented briefly on the status of the State Fair Employment Practices
Law. He said the Governor had appointed a ciimittee - the major part of which wa
composed of Urban league Board meiers. This committee meets every two weeks. Mr.
Robinson said that he thought it was significant that for the first time in Oregon,
Negro parents could urge mad..mum education upon their children and not feel that.
their efforts were futile0 Mr. Robinson told the Board that only one formal complaint had been made to date and that it was found. invalid. He reported that a
fine spirit of cooperation has been manifested by employers and employer groups
and that employment application blanks are now being reviewed. Mr. Robinson also
mentioned that the Governorts Committee on F.E.P. had undertaken the task of filling speaking engagements and interpreting the F.E,P. Law at every opportunity.
The Committee has held conferences with the $uperintendsnt of Sohos and Father
Sullivan, head. of Catholic Schools. Both agreed to cooperate by advising all
teachers of the law, its meaning, philosophy, and provisions and to direct that this
material be included in the teaching program at points where it would best fit.
Superintendent Rehmus distributed two thousand copies of the law and of the Urban
League s Tips folder to all school personnel. The Bureau of Labor has employed
two high grade persons to work on the enforcement end of the Law.
.
Comments
r
Executive Seoreta
Mr. Bey mentioned the Presidents Directive on FE.P. and quoted from an int.ra-
office memorandum to top officials of the Home Finance Agency from the Housing
1We can have no more important responsibility to
Administrator, Raymond N. Foley
the President or to the public than finding and selecting the best people to do
the job...........I want to also stress the thought that mere formal adherence to
general statements of principal will not meet our obligation or serve the public
interest in the broadest sense. Our sincerity in this matter will be tested by
the spirit in which these policies are applied, and by the results achievedir.
Mr1
Berry also reported that 2,700 new jobS will become available soon in the
Housing and Home Finance Agency.
National Cffjc
Mr. Berry reported that additional financial support was being requested by the
National Office from the League Affiliates to the amount of L%, This is a lOO
-3increase. We have been paying 2%. It was Mr. Berryts feeling that we could not
ve any mere to the National this ar since our budget request had already been
presented and we are to receive only a thousand dollar increase if the Communir
Chest goal is reached. Mr. Berry said that the National had been dependent upon
large gifts, many of which are no longer coming in; substitute sources of revenue
must be found. After ccnsiderable discussion, it was moved by Mr. McCall and
seconded by Mr. Brewster that v go on record as favoring the increase in principle
and look to sources of meeting it. Motion passed. The President was asked to appoint a committee to study the problem and see how we can help the National without
crippling ourselves and to investigate amounts other local agencies which are parts
of National groups contribute to parent bodies.
Review Repox
Mr. Berry then reported that in the approved Urban League Review Report, all parts
which had been found objectionable in the tentative report had been changed and
that he felt the report was entirely satisfactory.
6.
Suggestion f or Board Action
Mr. Brewster
Mr. Brewster reported that it was apparent during the Review proàess that a onesided notion of our work was stressed. He felt that one way which we might give
a clear and larger picture of our work would be for Board mbers to keep record
and file it with our Executive Secretary re: our own Urban League efforts, i.e.
conversations, casual or specific; obtaining new mererships; correcting misinf ormation; assistance in opening doors for staff to follow; assistance on specific
tasks -. FEIP., Civil Rights, jobs, etc. No action was taken but it was the consensus that this would be a worthwhile project.
7.
pvil Rights)rcnance
Mr. Berry stated that whether or not a civil rights ordinance was passed would de-
pend on how much community education there was and to what extent community organ-
izations had been sensitized and activated. He requested direction from the Board
as to extent of Urban Ieagu activity in this matter. Dr. Davis made a motion
that the Urban league Board, staff and membership manifest an active interest in
bringing about favorable action on the Civil Rights Ordinance. Motion seconded
by Mr. Smith and carried.
Meeting adjourned at
5:15 p.m.
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
November 1, l9L9
The meeting was called to order by the president, David Robinson.
Those present were Mrs.
Mary N. Duncan, Clarence Ivey, Irving Enna, Ulysses Plummer, Peter Gantenbein, Rev. L. 0.
Stone, E. C. Berry and David Robinson, presiding.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
SECRETARY'S REPORT
1.
Balance Sheet
Mr. Berry reported that five thousand copies had been printed and were available for
distribution, Except for advance distribution to Board Members and close allies, no
distribution had taken place. General distribution was postponed until the Chest Campaign was further along toward its goal in order that the Chest could not interpret
the release as being responsible for any unfavorable reaction to a Chest supported
activity, It was explained that the BALANCE SHEET had first been prepared for release under the auspices of the Race Relations Commission of the Portland Council of
Churches, The material in the debit side of the report was not acceptable bo the
Council of Churches' Executive Committee, The report was then published by the Urban
League with a gift of two hundred dollars ($200) from the Oregon Committee for a Fair
Eirployment Practices Act, It was planned to give wide local circulation of this
pamphlet to all groups interested in race relations, churches, civic groups and labor
organizations,
Mr. Berry asked for direction as to time for general release of this report. It was
moved by Mr. Pluimner and seconded by Mr. Enna that the Executive Secretary be authorized to distribute the report at the time he felt it appropriate. Notion carried.
2.
Workers Clinic
Plans for a Workers' Clinic have been completed, The dates will be November I and
at St. Philip's Parish House. Early response has been good, with cooperation from Negro churches, lodges, organizations and the press. Recruitment is being handled
through letters of invitation, posters, door to door hand bills and through Urban
League contacts with job seekers. The following subjects will be discussed: HOW TO
FIND A JOB; HOW TO FIND A BETTER JOB; HOW TO SUCCEED ON THE JOB; HOW TO USE YOUR UNION AFFILIATION; PROTECTIVE LEGISLATION; and OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT.
Speakers for the Clinic are David Robinson; William Van Meter, Deputy Commissioner ol'
Labor in charge of F,E.P.; E. Shelton Hill and Edwin C, Berry. Board discussion indicated approval of this program. No formal action was required.
3.
Salem Incident
Mr. Berry gave a brief recapitulation ol' the situation as follows:
Ward Jackson, a Negro farm laborer world..ng for the Alderman Farms, north of Salem, alleged that he had been ordered from the streets of Salem by a police officer while he
was waiting with a group ol' other employees to receive pay at a point designated by
the paymaster, Billy Maxwell of the Alderman Farms,
This matter reached public attention when Mr. Alderman made protest of the incident to
the Mayor and Chief of Police ol' Salem, and in letters to the editors of the SALEM
JOURNAL and the STATESMAN,
Our Part in this matter - As soon as information of this matter reached us, we held
telephone conlerences with Mr. Alderman and Mr. Maxwell. They were convinced of the
police officer's guilt, We secured the name of the victim, who lives in Portland and
is known to our Industrial Department. We sent for him, heard his version, and helped
him to draw a statement to be notarized. We discussed the matter with William Van
Meter, Deputy Commissioner of Labor and asked him to help by pursuing two distinct
lines in the matter:
/
-21.
To take whatever action he could appropriately as Deputy Commissioner of Labor
in charge of F.E.P.
2.
As an Urban League member to discuss the matter with known friends and leaders in
Salem, encouraging them to express opinions to the proper public officials.
Subsequent Action - Since the above discussions, a hearing has been held and Salem officials consider the case closed.
flesults of hearing are not altogether clear. Conversation with Mr. Maxwell indicates that the Alderman Farms are satisfied and do not
wish to carry it further unless there is a recurrence of the incident. Mr. Alderman
demanded assurance that his Negro workers would riot be molested in Salem by the police. He was given this assurance. The Chief of Police issued a public statement denouncing racial discrimination and stating discriminatory behavior would not be tolcrated on the Force. He did not indicate whether or not the police officer was guilty
as charged.
Full discussion followed, It was moved by Mr. Ivey and seconded by Father Stone that
the Urban League write to the Mayor for information relative to the results of the inquiry, and that if available facts prove the guilt of the accused officer that we request a public reprimand.
Motion carried.
Li,.
Job Situation
Th job situation is very poor. Unemployment, generally, in Nultnomah County is higher now than at any point since the closing of the shipyards. This reflected in our
work by the following comparison:
For the past twenty months, we have placed an average of forty-nine persons a
month in all categories. In September, we placed sixteen.
Our chief source of ob opportunity, at present, is civil service - Federal, State,
City and County. Fortunately, a large number of exams are being held and many Negroes
are filing and taking these exams.
,
School Problems
Holladay School The enrollment at Holladay School is approximately 7
Negro and is steadily rising.
There has been a great deal of alarm expressed about this. Mr. Berry briefly reviewed
the problem which had occurred when students were moved into Holladay from Eliot,
which resulted in a group of citizens getting a restrictive covenant on the property
in that area, and manufacturing hate in other ways. Some parents made an effort to
have children moved to other schools until the School Board clamped down. Then phony
doctorts excuses were obtained so that children could be moved. Some parents used
fictitious addresses where all else failed. These things have all helped to increase
the proportion of Negroes in this school.
Some Negro students have exhibited problems in behavior, language, etc.
help with one aspect of this problem, we have planned two things:
To begin to
1,
To hold a parents clinic in December - not limited to parents in the Holladay
area but with special effort to get a large number of Holladay parents to attend.
In this clinic, home and school relationships will be discussed frankly and with
emphasis on the responsibility of Negro parents in helping children adjust in the
school setting and making maximum use of the school experience.
2.
Mr. Berry has been asked to address all 7th and 8th graders and hold discussions
with them and teachers.
Girls Poly Prior to this year, racial problems have been practically nonexistent at Girls Poly.
A large number of Negro students are now coming in from Guilds Lake, and a great deal
of racial feeling has been developed. Several fights and much name calling has ensued. We have been working quite closely with the principal and teachers at Girls
Poly and shall continue to do so. We have recommended to Miss Peterson, the principal,
-3-
and she has agreed to make it perfectly clear to the student body that name calling
and fighting will not be permitted and anyone who indulges in it will be dealt with
immediately and seerely
Further conferences are indicated.
Discussion followed but no formal action.
6.
Statistical Report
Mr. Berry presented a statistical report for the preceding month.
sent to all Board Members hereafter.
This report will be
NATIONAL DUES
The National Urban League has requested all locals to raise their dues from 2% to L% of
their local budgets. This is a request in line with most national movements which are dependent upon local dues. Our l9Li9 dues are
6O.00. L% of our 19S0 budget (anticipated)
96O.00. We have budgeted 2% which is L16O.Oo.
would be
After discussion, the following action was taken:
It was movedby Mr. Enna and seconded
by Mrs. Duncan that we shall not attempt to raise our l9O dues, as budget estimates and
requests have already been acted upon, but that we shall attempt to raise our dues to L%
in l9l and that methods of meeting this increase will be investigated. Motion carried.
NOMINATION TO NATIONAL BOARD
A letter from lloyd Garrison, President of the National Urban League was read. He requested nominations from local Urban Leagues to National Board and set forth the following qualifications:
1,
An influential position within their own area, coupled with an interest in and knowledge of national conditions as they affect race relations and Negro welfare.
2.
Willingness and ability to attend at least one of two main meetings of the executive
board. These two will include the business meeting in New York City in mid-winter,
and the fall meeting, either in New York or at the time of the National Conference.
3.
Willingness and ability to assist the National Urban League in fund raising, by producing an agreed upon number of new members each year or being directly responsible
for raising an agreed sum of money.
After much discussion regarding these qualifications, the following action was taken:
It
was moved by Mr. Plumrner and seconded by Mr. Enna that the Executive Secretary be instructed to get more information regarding this, and particularly qualification #3.
INVITATION FROM NCCJ TO CO-SPONSOR AN INSTITUTE ON HUMAN RELATIONS IN THU INDUSTRIAL FIELD
We have been invited to co-sponsor an Institute on Human Relations in the Industrial Field
by NCCJ. The purpose of this Institute is to investigate human relations problems in industry and to suggest solutions,
After considerable discussion, this action was taken: It was moved by Father Stone and
seconded by Mr. Gantenbein that. we indicate a desire to cooperate with NCCJ in this effort
and that we would send an observer but would not co-sponsor it. Notion carried.
In subsequent discussion, Mr. Plummer asked for clarification on the role of the observer,
Mr. Enna, Chairman of the NCCJ Institute Committee, stated that the observer would participate as any other member of the planning committee but would not have authorization to
commit his organization as in case of co-sponsor.
Meeting adjourned at
:L
p.m., leaving last two items for discussion at next meeting.
A11OUNT CONTRIBUTED BY SO
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO THEIR NATIONALS
Girl Scuts
14,84%(inoludes memberships)
Camp Fire Girls
18.67%(includes memberships)
Camp Fire Girls
Y.M.C.A.
Y.W.C.A.
',
6.2%(exclusive of memberships)
Nob available
1,9%
Urban League
Boy Scou-Ls
1.42%(éxclusive of memberships
White Shield Home
8.77%
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
l9L9
November 29,
The meeting was called to order by the President, David Robinson.
Those present were: Mrs. Corbett, Mrs. Grondahi, Ni's. Reed, Father Campbell, Mr.
Pluininer, Mr. Gantenbein, Mr. Robinson, and Edwin C. Berry) ex officio,
RECOINDED L]IE MNERSHIP
Mr. Berry read a letter from Miss Frankie Baker, who is a charter member of the Urban
League. Her letter reiterated her interest in the Urban League and stated that she
would be unable to pay her Urban League dues until her pension check arrived on December
It was the recommendation of the Executive Secretary that we give Miss Baker a life
3.
membership in the Urban League, The matter was discussed. Notion by Mrs. Corbett and
seconded by Mr. Plummer that the Urban League of Portland confer upon Miss Baker a life
membership, in consideration of her charter membership, old age, financial circumstances
and interest in our work. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Berry then read a letter from Mrs. N. F. Silver telling of her interest in the work
of the Urban League. Her interest was expressed by a check for one hundred and fifty
dollars (l5O.00),
JOB CLINIC
Hr. Robinson and Mr. Berry reported on the Job Clinic which was held November L and 5,
l9Li.9.
The report revealed that there were one hundred persons in attendance. The experience in this clinic was, in part, experimental, but entirely successful. We were
aiming at that group of unemployed who are most disadvantaged on the laboi market - those
who are unschooled and unskilled.
The speakers talked to them in simple language that
they could understand. The subjects were How to get a Job, Where to Look For a Job, How
to Make an Application, Body Hygiene, Kind of Clothes to Wear, and The Importance of the
First Impressions. The F.E.P. Law was explained in detail with emphasis on the fact
that the people of Oregon have enacted a law to make illegal job discrimination in this
state.
Now, all people and their children can aspire to any job for which they wish to
prepare themselves.
Some of the immediate results of this clinic are: three people have been placed in permanent jobs; several have returned to our office for individual counselling and three
have returned to school for additional training. A host of others have been referred
for civil service openings. We have been asked to repeat this program in the Guilds Lake
area for those who could not attend,
Plans are being made to repeat it thereafter the
first of the year.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Mr. Berry reported our membership situation, This year memberships have not equalled our
expectations. This is true for a variety of x4easons, At the present time we are approximately lOOO.00 short of our anticipated membership goal. This means that unless we
can correct this deficit before the end of the year, we will end this year in the red.
It was recommended by Mr4 Berry that we conduct a membership drive during the month of
December and that a membership committee should be appointed. After some discussion, it
was moved by Mrs, Grondahl and seconded by Mrs. Corbett that we initiate a membership
drive and that the possibility of developing a telephone committee be explored, aS one
phase of the campaign. Motion carried.
Board of Directors
Page 2
November
29, l9Lj.9
CO'VNITY CHEST SITUATION
A letter from Ni'. Hazen, Chairman, Community Chest, inviting representatives of our
Board to attend a meeting on December 1, l9L9, was presented. It requested that we review our l9O
budget and submit a list of activities which would have to be cut if our
l9O budget were cut by 8%. This would be a cut of l,92O. (This is approximately one
twelfth of our total budget and would be 9OO less than we had to operate on last year.)
The Chairman asked the executive for an analysis of the situation. Ni', Berry said, as
he saw it, the Chest could do one of four things if minimum needs were to be met.
1.
Have a subsequent campaign.
2. Agree to take the amount of the deficit out of the reserve fund.
3. Juggle the fiscal year by postponing forever one month and beginning the fiscal year
on December 1 instead of Januarj 1. This would take care of the deficit for now,
since the Chest is short 8% or ome/twelfth of a years operation expenses.
Lj..
Finally, it could turn the agencies loose to get the money for themselves.
After much discussion it was the consensus of the Board that we could not operate adequately on a smaller budget and do the work we have pledged ourselves to do in this corn.munity; that we should recommend either, the use of the reserve funds or the holding of
a subsequent drive.
Our president agreed to attend the meeting and express the sentiments of the Board.
NAYOR'S COI1T"ffTTEE ON RACE RELATIONS
- Nj'. Plumnier
Mr. Plumnier outlined briefly the educational program which is being planned by an overall committee of about seventeen groups in the city, and coordinated by the Nayor's cornmittee. More organizations are expected to join later. A sub-committee has been appointed to formulate plans of this program and Ni's, Betty B. Sales has been employed as
Coordinator for this program. The first stage.of which will last for about 90 days and
culminate in Brotherhpod Week and the presentation of a Civil Rights Ordinance,
Mr. Berry mentioned that this is a program that can be of great significance if all the
organizations cooperate. All the media of publicity are to be used - billboards, press,
speakers, radio, etc. Mr. Berry told the Board that he had committed the Urban League
for one hundred dollars to help defray expenses of this program. Several other organizations have pledged a like amount. In our last newsletter, the membership was asked to
give one dollars or more for this purpose. To date, approximately $3.00 has been re-
ceived. The Board approved this contribution on motion by Mrs
Ni', Gantenbein.
Corbett and seoond by
I"tENSTREL SHOWS
Mr. Berry reported that every year there are a series of minstrel shows given in the
corn.-
munity, sometimes by the schools and sometimes by outside groups. He then presented a
statement drawn up by the Urban League staff regarding minstrel shows He asked for the
Board to correct, modify or approve the statement. After much discussion, it was agreed
that each Board Member should study carejully the statement and be prepared for action
at the necb Board Meeting.
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
We have been requested by the National Urban League to nominate persons to the National
Urban League Board of Directors. One qualification for such nominations was that nontt-
Board of Directors
Page 3
November 29, l9L9
nees assume responsibility for assisting the National with fund raising.
It was not
clear as to whether or not this fund raising was in excess of the requested increase of
national dues to L%.
Robinson read a letter he had received that day requesting
that we send in our nominations immediately. It was agreed that we should ignore the
fund raising qualification and forward our nominations. Mr. Robinson and Mr. Kern were
nominated.
Mr1
GIRLS POLY
Mr. Robinson reported that a prospective employer had called Girls Poly for a part-time
worker and was asked if he would consider a qualified Negro girl. The employer was
annoyed by the query and called our president. We sent a letter to the principal of
Girls Poly assuring her that we 1ew this was done in order to spare the girl's feelings but since we now had a Fair Employment Practices Law, we thought it would be a
better policy to refer Negro girls in the same way that other girls were referred. Miss
Peterson called and thanked him for his J,etter, expressed her happiness in the fact this
could now be done and pledged cooperation.
AUTO INSURANCE RATES
Mr. Robinson also reported that the Committee on Interracial Principles is at work to
eliminate discriminatory auto liability rates.
COSMETIC T}RAPY
Mr. Robinson reported that any girl who desires to get a license to practice cosmetic
therapy in Oregon must have at least 2OO hours of certified training, and that not
one of the four schools of cosmetic therapy in Portland will accept Negro girls. After
some discussion, the Executive Secretary was authorized to contact the School Administration to see if a school could be set up at Girls Poly which would teach all girls
interested in this trade. A motion to this effect was made by Mr. Plummer and seconded
by Mrs. Grondahi. - Carried.
NATIONAL GUARD
Mr. Berry read a letter from General Thomas E, Rilea stating that he hoped soon to et
up a Negro unit in the National guard. It was the consensus of the Board that we should
reply to General Filea's letter making formal protest against such a unit and also to
file a similar protest with the
Mr. Berry thought that Lawson McCall might
be able to help on this. The Executive Secretary was directed to proceed in accordance
with Board direction.
Governor1
MEETING ADJOURNED 5:30 pm.
1oi' your Files.
Minutes Approved
at February Meeting.
URBAN lEAGUE OF PORTLAND
Board of Directors
December 28,
l9L9
Those present were: U. G. Plummer; Francis Kern; Mrs. Pollyanna Reed; William
Brewster; Father Stone; lirs. Nary Duncan; Peter Gantenbein; Clarence Ivey; David Robinson, presiding; Edwin C. Berry, Executive Secretary; and Stanley S. Jacobs, Director
of the Washington Regional Office, Anti-Defamation League; Israel Laster of the American Jewish Connnd.ttee and Saal D. Lesser, Community Consultant, West Coast Regional
Office, Anti-De'amation League, visitors.
The meetin was called to order by the President, David Robinson. It was moved
by Mr. Brewstex and seconded by Mr. Flummer that the minutes of the November 1 and
November 29, l9L9 meetings be approved.
COMMUNITY CREST
Hr. Robinson reported on the Chest Meeting of December 1, l99. Representatives
of all Chest Agencies were summoned to this meeting and asked to submit revised budgets - stating what reductions would have to be made if budgets were reduced by 8.
There was a spirited discussion with active participation. The meeting was closed
with a unanimous recommendation to the Chest and officers of the Chest Boad that the
campaign deficit be made up out of reserve funds for 19O. Subsequent action of the
Chest Board indicated that they had approved use of reserve funds.
Mr. Robinson mentioned that article in the press which made mention of a sugges-
tion, in a meeting of the past presidents of the Chest, that the cub scout program of
the Boy Scouts be eliminated and the Urban League program curtailed. Hr. Berry stated
that it is only normal that when an organization, such as ours, begins to bring about
major social changes in patterns of community living, that corresponding pressures are
brought against it by those who want, or profit by, the status quo. it is part of the
price of success.
Mr. Berry then read the official letter from the Community Chest which stated
that our allocation for 19S0 would be $2L.,OOO. This is the amount for which we were
included in the Chest Campaign goal. However, this calls for a revision of our budget.
Our original budget request called for $27,000 from the Chest. We must have our re-
vised budget to the Chest by January 10,
l9O.
Hr. Robinson suggested more than one classification of memberships. Mr. Kern
suggested that we have a general membership fee of two dollars, a sustaining membership
of ten dollars and a contributing membership of fifty dollars or more. Mr. Brewster
moved and it was seconded by Father Stone that the officers, in consultation with the
Executive Secretary, be authorized to revise and submit a new budget to the Chest in
line with the allocation of $2L,OOO, and that this same committee or a special colrurLittee, should study and submit a recommendation regarding increased membership fees.
Motion carried.
STATISTICAL REPORT
This report, recapping League activities for October and November had been mailed
to all Board Members.
There was a brief discussion of the report.
Mr. Smith thought that the report was excellent and should be distributed more
widely and should perhaps be made available to supporters of the League in order that
they might have a better idea of the day to day job we are doing. Mr. Berry stated
that the report is sent to the Research Department of the Council of Social Agencies
-2-
and to our National Office each month, He also felt th,is report form would give the
Council and the Council Review Conmjttee a more comprehensive picture of our work,
It will be made available to Board Members regularly and we might devise a plan for
wider distribution.
CONYERENCE WITH SUPERINTENDENT OF PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS RE BEAUTY SCHOOL
At the last meeting of our Board, the Executive Secretary was directed to meet
with the Superintendent of the Portland Public Schools to discuss with him the possibility of inaugurating a course in beauty culture in the Portland Public Schools. Mr.
Berry reported his conference with Mr. Rehmus. Hr. Rehmus stated his interest in such
a cou'se and promised to bring it before the School Board. He mentioned that there
were a number of priorities now before the Board and he did not know where the Board
would place this on the priority list. Hr. Rehmus made the suggestion that we might
have a better chance after June when the terms of three or four of the present members
of the School Board would expire. Mr. Robinson reported that Miss Peterson, Principal
of Girls Poly, was and.ous to introduce such a program at the school.
There followed a discussion of what effect the F.E.P. Law might have on state
licensed schools. It was the thought of one board member that there should be legislation to the effect that there could be no discrimination in any activity which was
licensed by the State.
NDERSHIP ACTIVITY
Since our last meeting, Mr. Berry stated, we have acquired approdmately 12S now
The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car
members. Our membership drive is still going on.
Porters has challenged the Waiterst Union and the Red Caps' Union to a contest to see
which Union could bring in the largest number of Urban League members. We have asked
every paid up member to bring in one or more new members; letters have been sent out
inviting membership in the Urban League. A discussion followed on how to expand our
membership.
NATIONAL GUARD
At the last meeting, a letter was presented from General Rilea of the Oregon
He
National Guard in answer to our inquiry re their policy of admitting all persons.
answered that it had been in his mind for a long time to establish a special unit for
Negro soldiers and that he hoped to come to us soon for our assistance in setting up
such a unit. The executive secretary replied to General Rilea that we could be of no
assistance to him in setting up such a Jim Crow unit.
Since that time, we have received a letter from General Rilea stating that he did
not wish to segregate but that he thought Negroes would take pride in a unit of their
own and that any qualified person, regardless of race or creed, was eligible in any
Oregon Unit of the National Guard.
PROPOSED PMENT CLINIC
An announcement of the Clinic has been mailed to Board Members. Two sessions
will be held - one on January L at Guilds Lake, the other on January 13 at the Parish
Hall of St. Philips. The purpose is to present, to the parents, school problems and
suggested solutions.
-3-
UNITED COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Mr. Berry reported that this Committee has grown out of the Mayor's Committee on
Intergroup Relations. Rev. Myron C. Cole is Chairman.
The Committee now includes
fifty of the best known and most highly respected organizations in Portland.
This
Committee is planning an educational job for civil rights which will culminate in the
presentation of the Civil Rights Ordinance to the Portland City Council.
To do this
job, a minimum budget of lOOO,OO is required and already several organizations have
contributed. The President and Executive Secretary have committed the Urban League
for a contribution of lOO.00. This action met with the approval of the Board.
We have been advised that shortly after January 1, 1950, this ordinance for civil
rights will be presented to the City Council.
The City Club of Portland has been asked to study and make report on Civil Rights
for Portland, This report will carry a great deal of significance since the coimnunity
looks to the City Club for guidance on such matters.
MINSTREL STATEI'NT
This matter was introduced at our last Board Meeting but was tabled so that members could study the statement more carefully. Mr. Berry asked that the Board adopt
this as an official Urban League Statement, It was the thought of several present that
the statement should be revised so as to broaden its scope and not limit it just to
public schools.
Mr. Berry mentioned that he had held conferences with Dr. Vern Bain, Assistant
Superintendent of Public Schools, Ray Wolfe, Superintendent of Social Studies and Mel
Wilson, Director of Child Services, Portland Public Schools, and that they had accepted
the statement, Vern Bain agreed to mail the statement to all schools with a personal
note.
It was moved by Mark Smith that we should adopt the statement with the recommended
changes. Motion seconded and carried,
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Berry reported that we have been asked by the United Committee for Civil
Rights to supply them with our TEN TIPS TO TACTFUL TALKERS and our BALANCE SHEET in
quantity, to be used in the United Comndttees educational campaign. He asked for
direction on this. After much discussion about the cost of printing, it was moved by
I'lrs. Duncan and seconded by Mr. Plummer that we order a reprint of five thousand
copies of the BALANCE SHEET for this use and if the money was forthcoming from sources
outside our regular budget, that we then supply the Committee with the requested number
of TEN TIPS TO TACTFUL TAlKERS.
ETING ADJOURNED.