AMC&BW CIVIL RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Scope and Content Note: Feinglass was chairman of the Civil Rights Committee at the 1960 convention, and the committee drew up a resolution to have a functioning civil rights committee between conventions. The resolution was approved unanimously. In order to get direction from the rank and file, the committee called civil rights conferences between conventions. Mostly they were held in the South. “We adopted a program, and...we did carry out program after program.” Pamphlets (“Now Is the Time,” “Cry for Justice,” etc.) were prepared for each convention but received much wider circulation. Examination of contracts, merging of segregated locals, handling of complaints. Often handled fair employment practices complaints before they became public. One thousand dollar civil rights award at each convention; given to Mayor Coleman Young of Detroit, Coretta King, Pat Gorman. Awards to locals which were “outstanding in civil rights.” Original purpose of the committee was internal education and internal action - to protect and defend the civil rights of the membership. A good, effective committee. Conferences were for educational purposes - speakers and workshops.