I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have conducted research at Abyssinian, the church where Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. ministered. That opportunity was made possible on the recommendation of one of my professors, Donna Murch. A friend of hers attended Abyssinian and knew of the collection of papers and photographs available only through permission of the church, for research. There was a powerful presence felt while going through his papers. It was quite an experience and honor.
While I decided that the title of my paper would be titled “Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and His Enemies,” the title was suggested by Professor Ross Baker, an expert on political and congressional history, and a professor in the Political Science Department at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. I took his advice that my research should cover more than the details of his Powell’s personal life as a husband, son, and father, but that details of his political life would be even more interesting.
Less had been had been written in detail on the opposition and injustices he endured while in Congress, or on what a catalyst he was in getting the “Powell Amendments” passed, which changed the lives of many African Americans, and not just his constituents, who were physically, economically and socially disenfranchised.
I regret that I never completed that paper under Professor Baker’s guidance, but his counsel with me, and introducing me to the wealth of resource materials available at Alexander Library on campus gave me the tools I needed to continue my research, and present my findings as through the creation of this blog.
Through this Blog, I satisfy my interest in writing about Representative Powell’s life and legacy as a politician, and I provide for researchers source materials to conduct their own research. I thank Dr. Baker for his influence in helping to shape my ideas.
Inspiration for this blog also came out of an interview with one of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr.’s son, Adam Powell III. While visiting his office on the campus of the University of Southern California, in 2006, he spoke honestly and intimately about his dad. I hope he finds this body of work worthy of his father’s memory and legacy.
I had the honor of visiting Mr. Powell before returning to New Jersey, after having conducted research on the Huey P. Newton Foundation Papers, at the Green Library, on Stanford University’s campus, where I lodged in the Slack House for 10 days.
It is one of the highlights of my academic experience and of my personal life. The fruits of such rare opportunities should be shared with others, as I continue to do through the construction of this blog and my WordPress blog on Huey P.Newton and the Black Panther Party.
I encourage students to conduct research away from their school’s campus. Rutgers in my opinion has some of the most brilliant professors who are dedicated to mentoring students to become the best in their field of study.
She also told me about the Slack House – on campus housing for teachers and students who conduct research on Standford University’s campus.
Transportation costs including air fare, lodging, train passes to Abyssinian and photo copying fees were in part paid for with funds I received as an honor student at Rutgers, and recipient of the Aresty grant.
Abyssinian continues to honor a legacy of being stewards and a voice of the community of Harlem, along with other notable ministers and congregations. Like ministers of Abyssinian that preceded Calvin O. Butts lll, the current pastor, he leads by example, as an activist promoting social and economic uplift in African American communities. Click on the link below to learn more about their history and church activism.
Adam Clayton Powell Jr., of Harlem, New York, was a powerful and controversial figure whose mixed race ancestry, towering physical stature, and confident in his skin demeanor drew as much controversy as his political fight against segregation, and racial discrimination, and his activism to ensure the economic empowerment of the poor.
Among the many positions he held, was Minister of Abyssinian Baptist Church, in Harlem, a Congressman in the United States House of Representatives, a Community Organizer and a Civil Rights Activist. In his personally and professional life, he was a man who was loved and respected by many, while envied and despised by others.
Those in Congress who expressed a dislike for Powell did not intimidate him. He felt entitled to be in white spaces, and comfortable among a majority of white faces. Unlike Powell, who was born into prominence, many of the men who made themselves an enemy emerged into their positions of prominence out of economically poor households.
It stands to reason that even those who may have despised him, respected that he was a man who stood up for the voiceless and was not afraid to fight for laws that he believed to be fair and just.
Regardless of whether his message was in the form of a sermon delivered in the pulpit of Abyssinian Baptist Church, or through an argument presented on the floor of Congress, he spoke with conviction and without fear of reprisal
In 1945, as a district of economically poor people living in a racially segregated and unjust America, his constituents trusted him to be a man whom they could count on to be brave enough and bold enough to represent their concerns, to a majority white conservative Congress.
They trusted him because they had personally experienced his passion for fighting for the rights of people in their community where he had fought against practices that discriminated against Negroes.
Powell had been a force to be reckoned with long before he was elected to serve in the House of Representatives, and long before the Civil Rights Movement.
In 1941, more than a decade before Martin Luther King Jr., lead the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, Powell had already staged a successful bus boycott in Harlem.
As a Community Organizer and Civil Rights Activist in Harlem, he had been instrumental in eradicating segregation in department stores, and in opening up job opportunities for Negro doctors at Harlem Hospital.
During Jim Crow legalized segregation, white department store owners benefited financially from selling their wares to Negroes whom they would not hire as employees.
By staging picket lines in front of the stores, Powell was successfully in pressuring store owners to employ Negroes. As a defense against unfair hiring practices, he advocated that Negroes not spend their money in stores that did not hire them to work as employees.
As a result, many organized, and formed picket lines in front of stores where they marched with signs in hand that read “Don’t buy where you can’t work.”
“Rev. Adam Clayton Powell”
Narrated by Julian Bond
While the Civil Rights Movement was ongoing, Powell’s presence in Congress was necessary and instrumental, as he played a much bigger role in changing the course of history for Negroes as a Congressman in Washington, D. C., than he could have played through marching, and staging protests.
As the Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, Powell pushed laws through Congress that protected the lives of Negroes not only in Harlem, but across the nation as we’ll. Even those who were not his constituents wrote to him for help when confronted with injustices. He was truly “Everyone’s Congressman. The Powell Amendments is evident of this fact, as he used his presence in Congress helped more than his constituents in Harlem.
However, in spite of the important role he played in society in helping to eradicate racism and segregation in the United States of America, his name is not as widely known to students as is the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Considering the fact that some schools scrutinize the people and topics that students are allowed to study, it’s possible that his much scrutinized lifestyle, and his controversial political career, may effect his presence in school materials although it should not.
During periods of his life he battled many personal and political storms. Some people where jealous of him simply for the fact that he was born into wealth and lived a good life.
He also had skin as white as most of his fellow Congressmen and had passed for being white when first enrolled in college. Along with his skin color, he had the confidence to assert his right to act like a black man of their equal.
He flaunted his position in Congress, his good looks, his Jaguar, and his ability to be a in the face of his white fellow Congressmen. As a result, he was viewed by some of his colleagues as a Negro who did not know his “place.”
His self confidence in acting like a man and not a man who was classified as a Negro, along with his defiant spirit, when it came to fighting for the human and civil rights of People of color, generated enemies for him. This was especially true of Republican Congressmen from the South, after all Powell became a congressman during the Jim Crow Era.
Offered in this series of Blogs are many sources of information on the life and career of the Honorable Congressman, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. I hope these primary sources prove helpful in generating an interest in researching aspects of his personal life and political career.
It can be argued that Powell, a man of mixed race ancestry, like President Barack Obama, had the qualifications, expressed commitment, and political support of many, to become the first elected African American President of the United States of America.
As mentioned in a different blog, the topic for this research “Adam Clayton Powell Jr. And His Enemies”Was Suggested by distinguished Professor, Ross K. Baker, Professor, Political Science Department, Rutgers the State University.
While I did not write a paper under his guidance, conversations with him about the idea for my paper, and the type of sources I should research, exclusively shaped the course of my research and influenced my arguments. The time spent with him was a valued learning experience that was very much appreciated.
“Nearly unseated […] Rep. Maury [Laverick?] D. of Tex., who told the House Lobbying Com. Tuesday how he almost fell out of his chair when he […] of the much discussed “[…] vote” elaborates to Rep. John E. Rankin, D.of Miss., who says congress should not adjourns now or at Christmas time. 7/6/35.”
Library of Congress
“House Veterans’ committee leader and ranking republican member. Washington, D.C., Jan. 25. Rep. John E. Rankin, chairman of the House Veterans Committee and Edith Hourse Rogers, Massachusetts’ ranking republican congresswoman photographed today at the meeting of the Committee. Mrs. Rogers has been active in veteran’s affairs for years, 1-25-39”
Library of Congress
“Private power interest against administration flood control and power bill, Rep. Rankin. Washington D.C. June 28. Appearing before the Senate agriculture today, Rep. John E. Rankin of Mississippi, declared that private power interests are opposing the administration’s flood control and power bill because “they don’t want to give electricity to the American people at what its worth” He added “they know it would control floods, better than ever before, and improve navigation, but still they are in opposition to the bill”. 6/28/37″
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“Historic American Buildings Survey, E.F. Schrand, A. Hofmann, Photographers November 20, 1936 VIEW FROM SOUTHEAST. – Dr. John Rankin House, Liberty Hill, Ripley, Brown County, OH”
Library of Congress
“John E. Rankin opposer of civil rights affiliation with the KKK.”
“Historic American Buildings Survey, E.F. Schrand, A. Hofmann, Photographers November 20, 1936 WEST ELEVATION (SIDE). – Dr. John Rankin House, Liberty Hill, Ripley, Brown County, OH”
“Principals in wage-hour amendments controversy. Washington, D.C., July 25. Seeking speedy action at this session of Congress, the House Rules Committee at a special session today agreed to further attempt to compromise proposals of opposing faction in the proposed amendments to the wage-hour law. Left to right: wage-hour administrator Elmer Andrews; Rep. Graham A. Barden, Democrat of North Carolina; Rep. Mary T. Norton, Democrat of New Jersey and Rep. Adolph Sabath of Illinois, Acting Chairman of the Rules Committee. Andrews, Rep. Norton and Rep. Barden appeared before the Committee in Executive region, 7/26/39”
Library of Congress
“Graham Arthur Barden, half-length portrait, standing, facing slightly left 1956.”
“Congressional TVA Committee. Washington, D.C., Nov. 23. Members of the Joint Congressional Committee Investigating Tennessee Valley Authority now conducting open hearings at the U.S. Capitol. Left to right – Rep. Graham A. Barden, Democrat of N.C., Senator H.H. Schwartz, Democrat of Wyoming, Chairman Vic Donahey, Democrat of Ohio, Senator-elect James Mead, Democrat of New York, and Rep. Thomas A. Jenkins, Republican of Ohio”
Library of Congress
“John J. Sparkman, senator from Alabama, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front”
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Senator Senator John J. Sparkman, half-length portrait, seated at his desk, facing front 1969.”
Library of Congress
“John Sparkman Dies”
“Cotton state Solons present demands for enactment of farm program to president. Washington, D.C., Aug 5. Led by Senator Ellison D. “Cotton Ed” Smith, of South Carolina, a delegation of congressmen from the cotton states called on President Roosevelt today and presented their demands for enactment of a farm program before congressional adjournment. After the conference a spokesman for the group told reporters he felt the president would make stabilization loans under existing discretionary powers, probably through the Commodity Credit Corporation, on all basic commodities if given “definite assurances” that a farm production control program would be enacted early next session. In the picture, left to right: Rep. William R. Poage, Texas; Rep. John J. Sparkman, Ala.; Senator Ellison D. Smith, S.C.; Rep. Rene L. De Rouen, LA.; Rep. Lyndon Johnson, Tex.; Rep. Aaron Lane Ford, Miss. and Rep. Clyde Garrett, Texas, 8/5/37″
Library of Congress
Rep. John J. Sparkman of Ala. May 1940
Library of Congress
The life of John Sparkman as compared to Adam Clayton Powell Jr. “Sparkman was the seventh of eleven children. His father was a tenant farmer. He spent his early childhood in a four room log house near the Tennessee Valley town of Hartselle in Northern Alabama.”
“Presidential nominee Adlai Stevenson at the Democratic National Convention, Chicago, IL, July 1952.”
Library of Congress
“House Majority Leader. Washington, D.C., Nov. 7. A new informal picture of Rep. Sam Rayburn, House Majority leader. He’s a democrat from Texas November 7, 1939.”
Library of Congress
“As compared with the life of Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Sam Rayburn first lived in Tennessee, and then his family moved to Texas where he grew upon a cotton farm.”
“House leaders. Washington, D.C., Jan. 3. House leaders discussing last-minute details incident to the convening of the joint session of congress today to hear President Roosevelt read his message in person. Left to right: Rep. Bertrand Snell of New York, House Minority Leader; Speaker Bankhead; and Rep. Sam Rayburn of Texas, House Majority Leader, 1/3/38”
Library of Congress
“House Majority Leader gets ready for the opening of Congress. Washington, D.C., Oct. 19. Sam Rayburn, Majority Leader of the House, holds an informal press conference outdoors, Rayburn, one of the few congressional leaders to return to Washington before the sessions begin, gets to work at once on putting New Deal legislation thru the House. He is shown talking to reporters on the steps of the Capitol, 10/19/38”
Library of Congress
“Congressional leaders confer with President on Neutrality Bill. Washington, D.C., July 5. President Roosevelt today called in majority leaders of the House and Senate to urge them to throw out the arms embargo clause of the Neutrality Bill which passed the House last week. The president’s new proposal for a 3 billion lending program was also discussed. Leaving the White House and talking to reporters are Rep. Sam Rayburn, majority leader of the House, and Senator Alben Barkley, majority leader of the Senate 1939.”
Library of Congress
“President organizes $4,000,000,000 pump priming campaign. Washington, D.C., April 11. President Roosevelt met with his Relief and Congressional Aides today to the personal command of a new administration fight to check business recession with a $4,000,000,000 pump priming campaign. The president subordinated all other White House business to efforts to hammer his lending and spending program into shape as a major New Deal offensive against recession and unemployment, left to right: Director of the Budget Daniel Bell, Sen. James F. Byrnes, S. C., Sen. Carter Glass of Va., Majority Leader of the House Sen. Sam Rayburn of Tex., Sen Kenneth McKeller of Tenn., Sec. of Treasury Henry Morgenthau, and in the rear, Rep. Edward Johnson, of Colo., April 11, 1938”
“At Rayburn luncheon. Washington, D.C., Jan. 9. No doubt, this conversation was along monetary lines: Jesse Jones, Chairman of the R.F.C. and J.F.T. O’Connor, Comptroller of the Currency, as they attended the luncheon given in honor of Rep. Sam Rayburn, new Majority Leader of the House. The Texas Club played host at the National Press Club”
Library of Congress
“Sam Rayburn statue in front of the Sam Rayburn Library in Bonham, Texas1946.”
Library of Congress
“Emanuel Celler, three-quarter length portrait, seated, facing front 1951.”
Library of Congress
Emanuel Celler grew up in Brooklyn. His life as compared to that of Powell had been a struggle, during his college years, as both parent had died.
“Big three of House Judiciary. Washington D.C. The big guns of the House Judiciary Committee as they studied the President’s request for increase in the membership of the Supreme Court, following the meeting of the Committee today. Left to right: Rep. U.S. Guyer of Kansas, ranking Republican Member of the Committee; Rep. Hatton W. Sumners, Democrat of Texas and Chairman of the Committee; and Rep. Emanuel Celler, of New York and ranking Democrat of the Committee.”
Library of Congress
“Victory Book Campaign. Members of the House of Representatives display books they contributed to the 1943 Victory Book Campaign. Holdig books are (left to right): Representative Aime J. Forand of Rhode Island; Representative Ralph Church, Illinois; Representative Thomas D’Alessandro Jr., Maryland; Representative George Dondero, Michigan; Reprsentative Allen D. Treadway of Massachusetts; John Snyder, employee of the House; Representative Emanuel Celler of New York; John Murphy, Pennsylvania; and Representative John McCormick, Massachusetts. 1943”
Library of Congress
‘
Congressman Wayne Hayes
Wayne L. Hays of Ohio Dies at 77; Scandal Ended Career in Congress
“Congressman Thomas Dodd Personal Use of Campaign Funds”
NAACP photographs of Civil Rights Marches, demonstrations, and lobbying activities to promote civil rights legislation at the national and state levels
Library of Congress
Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Roy Wilkins standing with five other men
“Senator J. Howard McGrath (seated), Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, meeting with governors (l-r) Ben T. Laney, of Arkansas, R. Gregg Cherry, of North Carolina, William P. Lane, Jr., of Maryland, J. Strom Thurmond, of South Carolina, and B.H. Jester, of Texas, to “air their grievances against President Truman’s civil rights program.”
“Roy Wilkins, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, and A. Philip Randolph”
Library of Congress
“It’s a grim, but not unhopeful, fight,” Congressman A. Clayton Powell (D., N.Y.), sponsor of the House FEPC bill, tells the delegates at the Monday meeting in the inter-departmental auditorium”
Library of Congress
“FEPC (Fair Employment Practices Committee) Benefits From Proceeds of Testimonial Dinner”
“Photograph shows A. Philip Randolph receiving a check from Oren Root, Jr. for the proceeds of the March 6, 1948 testimonial dinner; standing, l.-r., are Roy Wilkins, Henry Epstein, Max Delson, and Jules Cohen.”
Library of Congress
Administrative assistant Chuck Stone (r) walks down a Rayburn House office building hall with Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, full-length portrait, facing front.
Library of Congress
Photograph shows Stokely Carmichael, left, and Julian Bond, right, during a news conference in an automobile service station parking lot where they issued a statement in support of Representative Adam Clayton Powell 1967.
Library of Congress
Roy Wilkins
Library of Congress
“What’s in Your Hand”
Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Civil rights march on Washington, D.C.
Photograph shows a crowd of African Americans and whites surrounding the Reflecting Pool and continuing to the Washington Monument 1963.
Library of Congress
Civil rights march on Washington, D.C
Library of Congress
Protest of Emmett Till Lynching
Library of Congress
“Civil rights leaders (left to right): Martin Luther King, Jr., leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Council, attorney General Robert Kennedy; Roy Wilkins, Executive Secretary of the NAACP; and Vice President Lyndon Johnson, after a special White House conference on civil rights 1963.”
Library of Congress
“Gov. James P. Coleman of Mississippi, as he appeared before the Senate Constitutional Rights Subcommittee, considering proposed civil rights legislation 1957.”
Library of Congress
“Speaks against anti-discrimination program Washington: The revolt of Southern Democrats flared anew, Feb. 9, with threats to block the election of President Truman coming soon after a White House denial that he might placate the rebels by modifying his civil rights by Senator James O. Eastland (D-Miss.), who called the President’s anti-discrimination program “racial demagoguery” like that of the “carpetbaggers” of post-Civil War days 1948.”
Library of Congress
More than 15,000 white and colored persons met here 4/18 on behalf of school integration and civil rights legislation 1959.
Library of Congress
“Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy appearing as a witness during Congressional hearings before the House Judiciary Committee on the Civil Rights Bill 1963.”
Library of Congress
“President Lyndon Johnson, three-quarter length portrait, sitting, facing left, speaking to the nation from the White House prior to signing the Civil Rights Bill into law, while (left to right) Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Senate Minority Leader Everett M. Dirksen, Sen. Hubert Humphrey, AFL/CIO Pres George Meany, Rev. Martin Luther King and Rep. Emanuel Celler listen 1964.”
Library of Congress
Civil rights march on Washington, D.C.
Photograph shows a military color guard on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, with audience, speakers, and photographres [Sic] on all sides.
A. Philip Randolph and other civil rights leaders on their way to Congress during the March on Washington, 1963.
Library of Congress
Civil rights leaders talk with reporters after meeting with President John F. Kennedy after the March on Washington, D.C. 1963.
Library of Congress
Photograph shows (left to right): Willard Wirtz (Secretary of Labor); Floyd McKissick (CORE); Mathew Ahmann (National Catholic Conference for Interracial Justice); Whitney Young (National Urban Leage); Martin Luther King, Jr.(SCLC); John Lewis (SNCC); Rabbi Joachim Prinz (American Jewish Congress); A. Philip Randolph, with Reverend Eugene Carson Blake partially visible behind him; President John F. Kennedy; Walter Reuther (labor leader), with Vice President Lyndon Johnson partially visible behind him; and Roy Wilkins (NAACP) 1963.
Library of Congress
“Washington, D.C. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and the New York delegation on their way to protest against poll tax filibuster”
Library of Congress
“800 women strikers for peace on 47 St near the UN Bldg / World Telegram & Sun photo by Phil Stanziola.”
Library of Congress
“Martin Luther King, Jr., half-length portrait, facing left, speaking at microphones, during anti-war demonstration, New York City] / World Journal Tribune photo by Don Rice.”
Library of Congress
“Harry Belafonte speaking at an equal rights rally marking the sixth anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, in the garment district of New York City 1960”
Library of Congress
“Picket line in front of F.W. Woolworth store in New York City, April 14, 1960, in protest of the store’s lunch counter segregation at branches in its chain. The pickets, majority of whom are ministers, were sponsored by church committee on Woolworth policies in cooperation with the Congress of Racial Equality.”
Library of Congress
“Food protests – East siders in food protest 1917”
Library of Congress
“Little Denise Davidson, 5 months old, sleeps peacefully while her mother, Mrs. Donald Davidson, of 278 Clinton St., Bklyn., marches with ban-the-bomb group outside the United Nations to protest resumption of A-[bomb] tests by the United States / World Telegram & Sun photo by Dick DeMarsico.”
Library of Congress
“New York, New York. Children’s protest parade. They want better housing 1930”
Library of Congress
“CORE pickets in front of 125 North St., New York City(?), protesting slum housing] / World Telegram & Sun photo by Phyllis Twachtman 1964.”
Library of Congress
NAACP members picketing outside the Republic Theatre, New York City, to protest the screening of the movie “Birth of a Nation”
Library of Congress
“New York Senator reads telegraphic protests against Government Reorganization Bill. Washington, D.C., March 28. The office of Senator Royal S. Copeland, democrat of New York, was virtually flooded today with telegraphic protests against the Government Reorganization Bill which seemed certain to pass the Senate. The Senator is pictured as he found time to read a few of the wires, 3/28/38”
Library of Congress
“Protest against child labor in a labor parade”
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“Food Protest Meeting [East Broadway and Rutgers Street, New York, New York”
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“Food protest [East Broadway and Rutgers Street, New York, New York 1917”
Library of Congress
“Children’s protest parade. They want better homes. New York between 1930 and 1933”
Library of Congress
“Martin Luther King, Jr., leading a group of civil rights workers on the march from Selma to Montgomery to fight for black suffrage, 1965.”
Library of Congress
“Photograph showing civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr., surrounded by crowds carrying signs 1963.”
Library of Congress
“Republican Senators during a meeting on amendments to the Civil Rights Act, 1964”
Library of Congress
“Photograph shows a procession of African Americans carrying signs for equal rights, integrated schools, decent housing, and an end to bias.”
“The House Judiciary Committee … approved a far-reaching civil rights bill … Committee chairman Rep. Emanuel Celler, D-N.Y., is shown in his office after the group’s action with stacks of testimony and other material pertaining to the hearings 1963.”
Library of Congress
Library of Congress
President Johnson is shown as he signed the Civil Rights bill into law during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
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Pres. L.B. Johnson signs the 1968 Civil Rights Bill.
Library of Congress
The Powell Amendments
Folder #1
1952
News & Courier
Tuesday Morning, December 9, 1952
By Jack Leland News & Courier Staff Writer
“Medical Society Admits 5 Negroes
Action Brings Physicians of White and Negro Race Together for First Time”
“Five Negro Physicians have been admitted to membership in the Charleston County Medical Society. This is the first time in the history of the state’s medical associations that white and Negro physicians have belonged to the same local groups. The new members are Drs. W. H. Felder, C. T. Holloway, T. M. McCottry, T. C. McFall, and N. F. Wilson.” (Assn -Medical Society Chas. Co.).
“
Folder # 2
1954
33Rd Year The Reader’s Digest October 1954
“The President and The Negro” by Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
I am a Negro by birth and Democrat by choice; for nearly a quarter of a century I have worked to advance the rights of Negroes. During the 1952 Presidential campaign, i tried desperately to get Dwight D. Eisenhower to endorse a Federal Fair Employment Practices Act. This he steadfastly refused to do. I did not understand why and like many Negroes, I feared his election meant a setback in the struggle for fairer treatment and equal opportunities for our people. I was wrong……”
Folder #3
1955
“Would Be Delegates or Nothing”
“Congressman Shun ‘Observer’ Status At White House Education Conference”
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954 -1959); Nov. 23, 1955;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 -1993)
Folder #4
1958
New York Times (1857-Current file)
ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851-2002)
April 27, 1958
“Tax Data On Powell To Go To Grand Jury”
By Edward Ranzal
“Battle lines were drawn yesterday between the Government and a potential ‘runaway’ Federal grand jury investigating the tax returns of Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr.” P.1
New York Herald Tribune
May 1, 1958
“Powell Tells Court ‘Rally’ He’ll Run”
200 Followers At Arraignment
By Milton Lewis
“Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. turned his arraignment on an income tax evasion indictment – to which he boomed ‘not guilty!’ into a political rally.” Continued on pg.3 column 1
New York Herald
Thursday, May 1, 1958
“Jailed Powell Aid Accuses U. S. Attorney’s: Affidavit Charges Threats To Force Co-operation in Tax Probe”
New York Herald Tribune
May 2, 1958
“Powell says probe had it’s chance:Won’t volunteer again to testify.”
“Rep.Adam Clayton Powell Jr. told the New York Herald Tribune last night that he had no intention of “volunteering again ” to testify before the Federal Grand Jury investigating his tax returns.
New York Herald Tribune
Sunday May 4, 1958
“Powell Inquiry Near End”
“New York- Look for the Federal grand jury investigating the tax returns of Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. , one-time pro-Eisenhower Harlem Democrat, to conclude its inquiry this week…….”
The Library of Congress Legislative Reference Service
“The Cultural Achievements Of The Negro In The United States “
(Prepared as directed by the Honorable Adam C. Powell, Jr.)
Washington 25, D. C.
Introduction
“This paper concentrates first upon the artistic accomplishments of the American Negro. For while Negroes have, during the last seventy-five years, made some remarkable contributions to such varied fields as business, education, sports, government, and the sciences, the unique Negro contribution is reflected in American culture.”
“Negro slaves did not constitute a large portion of the population of colonial America immediately after 1619. There were only three hundred Negroes in Virginia by 1650 and not all of them were slaves. After 1650, however, the number of slaves brought to the colonies steadily increased, and by 1671 the “peculiar institution” was well established, nourished by a constantly expanding slave trade. “The wealth of the New World came largely by the sweat of this new race” said Edwin Embree.” page 2
May 8, 1958
New York Herald Tribune
“Democrats Seek Powell Opponent: De Sapio, Harlem Leaders to talk”
“Democratic organization leaders in Harlem’s 16th Congressional District have scheduled a meeting today with Tammany chief Carmine De Sapio to settle on a possible candidate to oppose Rep.Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in the party’s August 12 primary election.”
New York Herald Tribune Lake City edition pg. 1
May 9, 1958
“Indict Powell on Charge of Tax Evasion: Jury Asserts He Helped Falsify Return of Wife, Pianist Hazel Scott”
“Rep. Powell troubles began late 1956 when a Federal Grand Jury began an investigation into his tax returns.”
May 9, 1958
ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times pg.1
“Powell Indicted In U. S. Tax Inquiry: Tammy To Act”
By Edward Ranzal
“Tammy Meeting Due”
“Carmine G. De Sapio, Tammy leader, has tentatively set next Thursday for a meeting with his leaders to discuss a new candidate to represent the Sixteenth Congressional District. Mr. Powell has remained a Democrat despite his support of President Eisenhower two years ago, ostensibly because of the segregation issue.” “
May 12, 1958
“New Charge of Stall in Powell Case: 2d U. S. Ex-Aid Alleges Order
by Milton Lewis
“What Perrotta Would Testify in Powell Case”
“Shortly after he took the case over last October from the resigned Thomas A. Bolan, Mr. Perrotta received word a bout a potential witness…”
May 16, 1958
New York Times (1857 – Current File) ProQuest Historical Newspapers Pg. 1
“Powell Ousted by Democrats; Coudert Declines to Run Again”
By Leon Egan
“Tammany district leaders in Harlem voted 11 to 1 yesterday to read Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr. out of the Democratic Party. They said their reason was his support of President Eisenhower in 1956.”
“Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr.bitterly attacked national Democratic and Republican leaders and Negro politicians yesterday.He charged them with abandoning the civil rights fight and with persecuting him because he insisted on carrying on the struggle.”
May 26, 1958
New York Times (1857 – Current File)
ProQuest Historical Newspapers ( 1851 – 2002)
“Brown is Favored to Oppose Powell:Tammany Reported Close to Choice for Harlem Harriman Rebuffed” “
By Richard Amper
“Tammany Hall leaders appeared ready last night to choose City Councilman Earl Brown to run against Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr.of Harlem. Earlier Governor Harriman tried and failed to get two others to run in the primary Aug. 12.”
May 30, 1958
New York Times (1857 – Current File)
ProQuest Historical Newspapers ( 1851 – 2002)
“G.O.P. Votes to Put Powell on Ticket: Democrat Accepts Harlem Bid – Curran Opposed”
By Leo Egan
“For all practical purposes Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr. received the Republican nomination yesterday to succeed himself. However, the step was taken over the objection of Thomas J. Curran, New York County Republican leader.”
Folder #
1960
January 24, 1960
ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times ( 1851 – 2002)
“Rayburn Expects Choice of Powell”
By John D. Morris
“Speaker Sam Rayburn said today that Representative Adam Clayton Jr. would ‘in all probability’ get the chairmanship of the House Education and Labor Committee.”
March 10, 1960
ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times ( 1851 – 2002) pg. 1
“New Tax Frauds Laid to Powell”
“Trial is Told Cheating Went Beyond Indictment- 237 for Clerical Garb Cited.”
“The government said in its opening statement at the trail of Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr.yesterday that it would prove frauds ‘of far greater magnitude’ than those alleged in its three count indictment of income tax evasion.”
April 8, 1960
“2d Count Is Dropped In Powell Tax Trial”
By Foster Hailey
ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times ( 1851 – 2002) pg. 1
“Judge Frederick Van Pelt Bryan dismissed yesterday a second count of a three count Federal indictment against Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr. for income tax fraud.”
April 23, 1960
“Jury Disagrees In Powell Trial”
By Foster Hailey
ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times ( 1851 – 2002) pg. 1
“The Federal Jury that heard the income tax case against Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr. reported yesterday that it was unable to agree on a verdict and was discharged.”
Ebony Magazine
December 1962
Alexander Library Microfilm VOL 18 2
“What Ike Thinks About Negroes: Dwight Eisenhower sees end of segregation in 10 years”
“The 1956 election was the turning point. Disappointment is the word some of the GOPers used. When he discovered quite a group of Negroes opposing him despite his civil rights effort, the former Chief Executive emphasized the he was shocked. He explained how puzzled he was after scanning the election returns from Negro areas , Harlem in particular. He couldn’t understand it. He couldn’t believe it. He expected much more support from Negroes.”
Folder #
1965
March 12, 1965
ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times ( 1851 – 2002) pg.1
“Suit says Powell Bars Whites From Selling Liquor in Harlem”
By Ralph Katz
“The Liquor Salesman’s Union charged in Supreme Court yesterday that Representatives “advised” Harlem retail store owners that they would be picketed unless they bought from Negro salesmen.”
The store owner said that last week he received a letter sent out under Mr. Powell’s Congressional frank reaffirming that he had pledged all-out assistance “to the claim of Negro salesman for their share of the dollar in sales of stores in Harlem.”
Folder #5
1962
NewYorkAmsterdamNews
September 22, 1962
“Exclusive!
“I traveled In Europe
With Congressman Powell”
By James L. Hick
“Mrs. Tamara Wall, brunette divorcee who accompanied Congressman Powell on his recent controversial European trip, broke her silence Tuesday for the first time and gave an exclusive interview to the New York Amsterdam News.” P1.
“AdamPowellIn Congress”
An Editorial
“We do not agree with everything Congressman Adam Powell does any more than we agree with everything the Congress of the United States does. But we do agree that Mr. Powell is a duly elected Congressman representing the people of Harlem and is thereby entitled to all the privileges and rights that pertain to other Congressmen.” P. 1.
“NAACP Backs Hill”
“Bishop Stephen Gill Spottswood chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, has expressed the association’s approval of the role of Herbert Hill, NAACP labor secretary as a special consultant to the house Education and Labor Committee.” P. 1.
October 13, 1962
New York Amsterdam News
Saturday, October 13, 1962
Powell Committee Sets Wage Hearings
“Reps. Adam Clayton Powell will preside at federal minimum wage hearings into the laundry workers, hospital, hotel, restaurant and bar industries which will be held here for at least a week beginning Monday October 22 The Amsterdam News learned this week.”
New York Amsterdam News
Saturday November 3, 1962
“For Congress”
“18th district, Manhattan: We endorse Congressman Powell 100% because he has proved to be the most fearless, the most outspoken and the most effective representative of his people in Congress.” P.3
New York Amsterdam News
Saturday November 10, 1962
“The Powell Committee Hearings on The Theater”
By Malcolm Nash
“The only Negroes actor Sidney Poitier said he found on the set of a Hollywood movie he was cast in we’re “two Negro shoe shine boys.” “I have done 17 motion pictures.” Poitier added “Most of them were with companies and for companies that hire Negroes for the most part only in the night brigade that comes in to clean.”
“He made the statement to Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, Harlem Democrat who presided at a Congressional hearing last Monday at Post Office Building, Lexington Ave. and 45th Street. The hearings held all last week, Monday through Thursday, look into discrimination against Negroes and Puerto Rican’s in the performing arts.” P. 21
“Chairman Powell: Thank you Mr. Davies.”
“As you know, we are merely exploring this area of performing arts. It has never been done by a Congressional Committee before and we are doing it here in New York because this is the center of the performing arts for the nation. We have a Subcommittee under my jurisdiction as Chairman, head by a gentleman from New Jersey, Frank Thompson. Although he heads the Subcommittee in the field of education, I have nevertheless under the rules which O have established upon receiving the Chairmanship assigned to him work in the field of culture and arts……..” P 42
Folder # 6
1963
Ebony Magazine December 1963
“Man Behind The Headlines”
“On The Scene Reporter Tells what James Meredith, Mississippi hero, is really like”
By Larry Still
“It was 5:30 p. m., September 30, when the border patrol plane descended lazily over the little airport among the cedar covered hills of Oxford, Miss. A row of C-130 troops carriers lined the field as a small, slightly built negro stepped from the plane with five big, burly white men. ” pp.25-35.
Microfilm: V. 18 1-12 November 1962- October 1963 Reel 9
Alexander Library
Rutgers the State University
College Avenue
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
New York Times (1857 – Current file)
March 6, 1963; ProQuest Historical Newspaper
The New York Times (1851 – 2002)
“House Unit Votes 40% Cut In Funds Asked By Powell”
“Also Would Deprive Labor Chairman of Full Control Over Money Allotted”
“Final Test Due Today”
“Rep Roosevelt Will Defend Work Group – Georgian Wants Activities Curbed”
By Cabell Phillips
Special to The New York Times
“Washington, March 5 A 40 per cent cut in the operating funds of chairman Adam Clayton Powell Jr.’s House Committee on Education and Labor was recommended today by a sub-committee of the House Administration Committee. The group also moved to deprive the chairman of effective control of those funds. This unusual action is expected to be approved by the full Administration Committee tomorrow morning, and by the House later in the day.” P.1
“Representative Termed Her ‘Bag Woman’ in Harlem —-Appeal Is Planned”
By John Sibley
A State Supreme Court jury awarded $211,500 yesterday to a Harlem widow who had charged that Representative Adam Clayton Powell defamed her by calling her ‘a bag woman for the Police Department.”
Newspaper Clippings
New York Times (1857 – Current file)
April 28, 1963; ProQuest Historical Newspaper
The New York Times (1851 – 2002)
“Powell Revokes Civil Rights Truce”
“Drops Self-Imposed Pledge Not to Add Amendments To Kennedy Legislation”
By United Press International
Washington, April 27 – Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr. indicated today that his civil rights truce with the Kennedy Administration had ended. The Manhattan Democrat in an interview, said the Administration was ‘slowing up’ in the right fields. Consequently, he said, he will no longer refrain from offering or supporting anti-discrimination riders to Administration bills.” P.1
Ebony Magazine
V. 19 1-12, Nov. 1963 – Oct. 1964 reel 10
Archibald S.Alexander Library
169 College Avenue
New Brunswick, N. J. 08901
Ebony Photo Editorial
“Everybody’s Civil Rights”
“In the newsroom of a negro publication in a large Midwestern city, a reporter was talking over the telephone with the public relations man for the city’s mayor.” “Off the record,” said the PR man; Just what do you people want? “The answer came back swift and clear.” “Everything!”. “There was a long pause at the other end of the phone and then: “Everything? But you can”t have that. After all, we are the majority.”
“What The Negro Really Wants”
“When the reporter told the mayor’s right hand man that the Negro today wants everything…..he was saying the Negro does not want simply slum clearance, urban renewal and better housing- he wants what is euphemistically referred to as “open occupancy.” “It is the kind that would let him know deep down in his heart that, as a citizen of the United States, he is free to move into any home he can afford anywhere in the country.”
“The Rights Are Already There”
“To understand the Negro when he says he wants everything is to understand militant civil rights fighter Gloria Richardson of Cambridge Maryland, when she says, “The white man can give me nothing.”
“To understand the “everything” is to understand the idealistic, yet hard-as-nails SNCC (Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee) youths who sit-in, pray-in, wade-in and even sleep-in in the fight for civil rights.”
“No “We” And No “They”
“Any true discussion of civil rights should not involve the “we” and the “they.” Any true discussion of civil rights should not involve race, creed, or color.” Any true discussion of civil rights should concentrate on just two questions: “Ate these people citizens?” and “What are the rights of these citizens as guaranteed by the Constitution?”
“The Way It Should Be”
“That is the way it should be, but unfortunately it isn’t. Civil Rights have now become synonymous with Negro rights and the entire discussion seems to turn on just how far the white majority will allow the Negro to go.”
“shall we allow them to move next door? Shall we allow the to sit next to our children in school? Shall we let the attend our churches? Should we entertain the in our homes? “Would you want one of them to marry your daughter? And so it goes.”
Congressional Record Vol. 109
Part 13 – Pages A 5791 – A 6140
88Th Congress – 1ST Session Appendix
“A Southerner Speaks: A Flower for the Graves”
Extension of Remarks Hon. Adam C. Powell of New York
In the House of Representatives
Thursday, September 26, 1963
“Mr. Powell. Mr. speaker, under leave to extend my remarks in the Record, I include the following article from the Atlanta Constitution of September 15, 1963:”
“A Southerner Speaks A Flower For the Graves”
“The Atlanta Constitution, one of the South’s leading newspapers, placed the responsibility for the bombing of the Birmingham church Sunday morning on the entire ‘White South’ …….”
Congressional Record – Appendix
Tuesday October 8, 1963
A6141- A6468
“A Negro on Dynamite Hill”
Extension of Remarks
of
Honorable Adam C. Powell
of New York
In the House of Representatives
Tuesday, October 8, 1963
“Mr. Powell. Mr. Speaker, under leave to extend my remarks in the Record, I include the following article by Paul Hope. ‘A Negro on Dynamite Hill” (By Paul hope)
“Birmingham, Ala., September 23 – Four Negroes sat around a living room on Dynamite Hill and talked about what it’s like to be a Negro in Birmingham. Here is some of what they said: You’re ‘boy’ and ‘uncle’ from your first white man to your last. You say ‘yes sir’ to white people if you want anything………”
Congressional Record – Appendix
Tuesday October 8, 1963
A6141- A6468
“Address by David N. Licorich
Before the Baptist ministers Conference of
Greater New York and Vicinity”
Extension of Remarks
of
Honorable Adam C. Powell
of New York
In the House of Representatives
Tuesday, October 8, 1963
“Mr. Powell. Mr. speaker, under leave to extend my remarks in the Record, I include the following address delivered to the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York and Vicinity, which has a constituency of over 400 members, by Dr. David N. Licorich, Chairman of its Civic Committee and the Civic Committee Crusade….”
New York Times (1857 – Current file)
December 28, 1963; ProQuest Historical Newspapers P.1
The New york Times(1851 – 2002)
“Powell Is Cited For Contempt”
“Ordered To Purge Himself In Court Jan. 6 From Ruling on Defamation Award”
By Robert E. Tomasson
“Representative Adam Clayton Powell was held in contempt of court yesterday for failing to appear in Supreme Court to answer a 211,500 libel judgement….”
Folder # 7
1965
American Rhetoric Top 100 Speeches
American Rhetoric: Lyndon Baines Johnson — “We Shall Overcome”
Lyndon Baines Johnson
Address to a Joint Session of Congress on Voting Legislation
“We Shall Overcome”
delivered 15 March 1965, Washington, D.C.
“Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of Congress:”
“I speak tonight for the dignity of man and the destiny of democracy. I urge every member of both parties, Americans of all religions and of all colors, from every section of this country, to join me in that cause.” At times history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point in man’s unending search for freedom. So it was at Lexington and Concord. So it was a century ago at Appomattox. So it was last week in Selma, Alabama. There long – suffering men and women peacefully protested the denial of their rights as Americans. Many were brutally assaulted. One man, a man of God, was killed.” P 2 of 9
Folder #8
1966
By Rowland Evans and Robert Novak, The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959 – 1973) September 18, 1966; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877- 1993) p. E7.
“An Anti- Powell Plot”
“New York Congressman Walked in on Group Planning Cutback in His Committee Power”
“One day early this month, Rep. Adam Clayton Powell (D-N.Y.) popped unannounced into the inner office of his good friend, Speaker John McCormack, and found himself in the middle of a “get Powell” meeting. Seated around the Speaker’s desk were three Democratic members of the House Labor Committee plotting a drastic cutback in Powell’s power as Committee Chairman: Frank Thompson of New Jersey, Edith Green of Oregon, and Sam Gibbons of Florida.” p. E7.
The Washington Post Times Herald (1959 – 1973) Washington, D. C.: September 21, 1966, p. 25.
September 21, 1966
“Insight and Outlook…Rep. Powell’s Power”
By Joseph Kraft
“Congressman Adam Clayton Powell has shown a great capacity for survival in fighting against the effort to clip his wings as chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor but the source of Powell’s Power is not the black power, or Negro support, that he likes to advertise…..”
“On the contrary, Powell’s Power is much more a case of ordinary political power. His strength derives from his capacity to engage the complicated mixture of ambition, greed, fear, and laziness that make up the stock in trade of political leaders, white and black, all over the country.” P. 25.
Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973); Sept. 17, 1966 ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 – 1993) pg. A10
Uprising
“Rep Adam Clayton Powell apparently finds it difficult to believe that anyone can be opposed to him for any reason save race. But the truth is that people of the most diverse ethnic origins are infuriated with him on the basis of his behavior -……”
New York Herald Tribune May10
Folder # 9
1967
The New York Times
Friday, January 6, 1967
“The Statement by Representative Powell”
“Silence gives consent, Until now, my decision not to speak out against any attempt to unseat me in January or have me step aside….”
“How much is my race an issue in this effort” (10 facts) 38L
“McCormack Shuns Stand On Powell”
continued from page 1 col 1
“Mr Powell’s statement was a compound of accusations against members and others, innuendo directed at unidentified colleagues, and an assertion that ‘a political conspiracy of enormous dimensions involving certain influential members of the press…….” 38L
The New York Amsterdam News
Saturday, January 7, 1967
“Leave our Adam Alone, Cry Negroes”
“Ex-Wives Backing Powell” page 1
“Although his present estranged wife, Yvette, has been one of the sources of his ……”
“Full Text of the Minister’s Petition Drive For Adam Powell” page 1 and page 19
“A 17 page petition—‘The Case For Adam Powell was endorsed on Monday by the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York, an organization representing 405 minister sand some 300,000 church members.”
The New York Amsterdam News
Saturday, January 14, 1967
“The Real Adam Powell Story: In Bimini, In Washington, In New York
“The Big Question”
“Negro’s Next Move?”
“Harlem Reacts To DC Action”
“With few exceptions- and they were loath to speak out loudly – most Harlemite’s were upset, angry, dismayed and plainly bitter over the two day action in Washington which saw Rep. Powell stripped of his committee chairmanship and then denied his seat for the time being.”
“Clara Wells hospital staffer of 359 122nd St. Replied: ‘I have weighed everything and I still don’t see that he has done anything more wrong than anyone else. I don’t think he deserved to be unseated.” Vol. 56 – No. 2
“Aroused Over Powell”
By Sara Slack
“Washington, D. C. – Anything can happen. There is a deep revolutionary move here which has no precedence in the 20th Century because Negroes believe that justice was not done in the defrocking of Adam Powell.” P. 1 continued on P. 38
“Adam Kept His Cool”
By Sara Slack
“Washington, D. C. Through it all, Harlem’s Adam Clayton Powell did not blow his cool.” P. 1
“92 File Suit For Powell”
By Simon Anekwe
“A motion for a temporary injunction to restrain the sheriff from arresting Congressman Adam Clayton Powell is expected to be heard in the Federal District Court, Tuesday, January 24….” P. 1
The Washington Post
Saturday, January 21, 1967
“Baker Says He Went to LBJ First for Aid”
“Robert G. (Bobby) Baker told a Federal court yesterday that he turned first to Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson to help rescue him from financial disaster in 1962”. “He was indicted on Jan. 5, 1966, for income tax evasion in 1961 and 1962, for taking and converting to his own use about 80,000 of a 99,600 political contribution from California savings and loan executives, and for income tax conspiracy.” P1, cont. A12. Col 4
The Washington Post
Saturday, January 21, 1967
“Fundraising”
Fundraising – Rep. Adam Powell (D-N.Y.), at center, has disclosed the design for a book, at left, and a recording cover, right, both of which will be placed on public sale. Royalties from the two ventures, Powell said will be “directed toward the legal satisfaction of nay and all existing court judgments against ” him. One judgment for 164,000 was granted a Harlem woman…..A2.
The Washington Post
Sunday, January 22, 1967
“Home Is a Courthouse For Bobby Baker Jr.”
“Newspapers are allowed, it is said, but stories about the case are clipped. Jurors are allowed to receive all mail from family and friends.”A9
Monday, January 23, 1967
“Powell Held Ready To Pay Judgment”
“New York – An attorney for Rep. Adam Clayton Powell said yesterday that the Harlem Democrat has decided to pay off his troublesome slander judgement and is ready to come back to New York ‘like Lazarus’. Powell’s failure to pay the judgement was partly behind the House’s decision to strip him of his committee chairmanship and to deny him his seat pending an investigation, which begins this week……”A5
The Washington Post
Monday January 23, 1967
“Negro Summit”
“Civil Rights Leader A. Phillip Randolph postponed this week’s scheduled Negro Summit meeting here because of what aids called an ‘overwhelming attendance demand.’ The meeting had been called to come to terms with what Randolph calls a ‘deepening crisis’ in Negro-white relations brought on by the Adam Clayton Powell case…..” A5
Adam Clayton Powell speaking at UCLA 1/10/1968
Flyer
Coordinating Committee For
Congressional Representation
132 West 138th Street
New York, New York 10030
Dr. David N. Licorish Coordinator
January 24, 1967
“BedFord Stuyvesant Ministers And Leaders Rally To Congressman Adam C. Powell”
“The Meeting Called by the Coordinating Committee for Congressional Representation, the Rev. David N. Licorish, Coordinator is to give full support to Congressman Powell and to protest the unjust manner Congressman Powell was treated. The Rally is in Support of Adam Powell Being Seated in the 90th Congress…….”
Statement From Dr. Powell March 5, 1967
“As I said yesterday, I am prepared to fight to the end for the right of the people of Harlem to send to Congress the man they want. This country was founded on that principle and it is far more important than the fate of any one man….”
Papers of Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Abyssinian Baptist Church 132 West 138th Street Archives Harlem, New York 10030.
New York Amsterdam News
Saturday, March 18, 1967
“Adam”
“By order of State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Markewich to arrest Powell any day of the week. Justice Harold A. Stevens, a Negro was the sole dissenter. The justices considered the case for a month. Powell’s lawyers argued that he could not be arrested on Sunday’s because…..”P. 34
New York Amsterdam News
Saturday, March 18, 1967
“Powell’s Itinerary”
“Adam Powell’s schedule if he does come home Sunday – will probably be as follows:……”P. 34
New York Amsterdam News
Saturday, March 25, 1967
“Leaders In Bimini”
“Big Man In New York”
“On the scene – Rev. Adam Clayton Powell is shown carrying palms on his way to deliver Palm Sunday sermon in Bimini……” P. 1
New York Amsterdam News
Saturday, March 25, 1967
“Powell Vows To Return”
By George Barner
“Bimini, The Bahamas – Adam Powell’s exile is no longer one of idle and despairing heart. he is now actively heading his own comeback campaign with zest that bellies his crest fallen demeanor of a month ago.” PP.1, 38
The New York Amsterdam News
April 1, 1967
“A C P Talks of Self, Future”
“Bimini, The Bahamas – Congenial and more expansive than at any time since retreating to sea-girt South Bimini, Adam Clayton Powell sat on a Sun drenched portico of Captain Harcourt Brown’s sparkling white hotel this week and talked in a largely exclusive interview of what he felt of his life and his current predicament.” P 33.
“Powell contemplated at length the men he considered as having had the greatest influence on his life. He named first of all Marcus Garvey. He taught me that black was not a color it was a way of thinking.”
“He recollected that Marcus Garvey’s Freedom Hall had been next door to the Abyssiniam Baptist Church on West 138th Street.”
New York Amsterdam News
April 15, 1967
“Now It’s Up To House”
“Harlem, giving Adam Clayton Powell a record 86 per cent of the total vote cast in Thursday’s special election, has cried aloud for the return of its Bimini bound Congressman, but the issue of whether he will resume his seat in the 90th Congress may yet have to be wrung out in the quiet of a reluctant Federal court.”
Washington Post
Sept. 11, 1967
“New Senator Gets Mass Welcome”
“Last night’s reception at the Washington Hilton – the Lincoln Room – was for everyone, and there was one Monday night for constituents, but the afternoon one yesterday held in the New Senate Office Building was the largest. That was partly because Adam Clayton Powell demonstrators came over from the House side after they were finished demonstrating.” Section c 2
Below are exerts from letters of the papers of the Honorable Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Full copies of these letters can be researched for educational purposes only, no photocopying. Available for Research by request through comments.
Safi’s Art Gallery and Research Center, Charleston, South Carolina Online Catalog.
Materials are not permitted for publication without permission from Abyssinian Baptist Church
Copyright restrictions Apply
Research conducted by Terri Mae Owens at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, 2006.
From:
“National Association For The Advancement of Colored People
402 Dolphin Street
Baltimore, Maryland
Congressman A. Clayton PowellHouse Office Building
Washington, D. C.
Dear Congressman Powell:
“This letter will introduce you to Mr. Robert W. Coleman, Founder and Manager of the Association for the Handicapped since 1910. Mr. Coleman has been………..He has a yearly directory known as the First Colored Business and ………….Thanking you for your ….
Sincerely,
Lillie M. Jackson
President”
From:
“The Association of Negro History and The Negro History Bulletin
Carter G. Woodson
Director and Editor
1538 Ninth Street, N. W.
Washington, 1, D. C.
June 29, 1945
The Honorable A. Clayton Powell Jr.
210 West 125th Street
New York City
Dear Sir:
For some time now we have been sending you “The Journal Of Negro History” because you were kind enough to contribute …………….
Thanking you ………
Carter G. Woodson
Director”
From:
“Coordinating Committee For Congressional Representation
132 West 138th Street
New York, New York, 10030
Dr. David N. Licorish, Coordinator
March 30, 1967
Mr Dear Fellow Citizens and Friends:
“Today, the 18th Congressional District is experiencing what our country revolted from Great Britain against –‘Taxation without Representation.’ “
Please urge the members of your congregation to go to the polls …….
In full confidence,
David N. Licorish”
“From Malcolm X, Minister
25-26 99th Street
E. Elmhurst 69, N. Y.
June 27, 1957
Rev. Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.
The Abyssinian Baptist Church
132 W. 136th Street
New York, New York
Dear Rev. Powell:
In regards to your recent kind invitation to represent the Temple of Islam at your evening vespers, we thank you, we thank you, We are Grateful…….The affair and remarks of guests will be given ample………
Sincerely,
Muhammad’s Temple of Islam No. 7
Malcolm X Minister “
“From : Adam Clayton Powell To Malcolm X
Congressman of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
July 5, 1957
Mr. Malcolm X, minister
Muhammad’s Temple of Islam No. 7
25-26-99 Street
East Elmhurst, 69 L. I.
Dear Sir:
This is to acknowledge with appreciation your kind letter to Congressman Powell. It was a pleasure to have you and your people worship at our church………
The Congressman wishes to ………..
Sincerely yours,
Hattie F. Dodson
Secretary
New York Office”
“March 7, 1956
Rev. Shelton E. Doles
Asso. Sec. Dept Evangelism
National Baptist Convention
17 Union Avenue
Mt. Vernon, New york
Dear Rev. Doyles:
This is the first time that I have had a breather to sit down and write a note of thanks for your fine cooperation…..It is imperative that we get together……We are going to the Community Church on Park Avenue…..
God bless you, and many thanks,
Prayer changes things,
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.”
“Private Secretary Office
Imperial Palace
Addis Ababa
June 11th 1958
Dear Representative Powell,
The text of your recent speech dealing with segregation and racial discrimination, which you very kindly telegraphed has…..
Yours Sincerely,
Private Secretary to
His Imperial Majesty
Honorable Adam Clayton Powell , Jr.
House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C.
U.S.A.”
“Telegraph dated April 7
The Following is text of telegram from Assistant Secretary 0f State Morton to Congressman Powell.”
“February 10, 1958
From the Library of Congress
Washington, D. C.
Ernest S. Griffith
Director
Legislative Reference Service
Re: List of some significant events in New York City, 1808- 1958.
To: Hon. Adam C. Powell “
“536 West 113th Street
New York, N. Y. 10025
February 25, 1967
Representative Adam Clayton Powell
Bimini
The Bahamas
Representative Powell,
We feel that it is wrong that you should have been singled out for censure by the House and we also feel that the penalties that will be imposed on you are excessive………..
Sincerely,
Lorraine Monroe
Henry Monroe”
“446 Davidson Street
Mineral Wells, Texas 76067
3 March 1967
The Honorable Adam Clayton Powell
In Care of:
Chalk’s Flying Service
Buena Vista Station
Miami, Florida
When a Federal Legislative Body can expel or deny a seat to a member who has been duly elected by the people….Can a government any longer pretend to be a democracy or a republic?
In good faith,
Frank Johnson”
“299 W. 12th Street
New York, New York
March 1, 1967
Dear Congressman Powell:
Several days ago I wrote a letter to my own Congressman protesting the proposed censure, fining, loss of seniority plan. Obviously my letter meant nothing although I have as yet no knowledge of how Mr. Farbstein voted. I am enclosing here a copy of my letter to the President of the United States…which I don’t suppose he’ll read, but then one can’t help trying.”
“I want you to know that I am on your side…”
“I’m more than that …I’m angry and disgusted.”
“I hesitate to condone what is purported to be your misuse of funds…but when I think of the way my taxes are thrown around in areas reflecting policy,,,I’d rather have it in your pocket than in the pockets of turkish potentates et al.
Keep the faith, baby.
Yours,
Lois C. Schwartz”
“299 West 12th Street
New York, New York
March 1, 1967
Dear Mr. President:
“I have just heard the news report that the House of Representatives has barred Rep. Adam Clayton Powell from membership. I want to say that I am shocked and appalled …………”
“I am a white person, I do not believe that racism is a conscious fact of life in these proceedings………”
“I beg you to speak up for the rights of Powell’s constituents……….
Respectfully,
Lois C. Schwartz”
“57 East 129 Street
New York, N. Y. 10035
March 2, 1967
Dear Representative Powell:
“Note that I address you as my representative, because to me that is what you still are!….You know I get a little weary of all of those “holier-than-thou” who think they have some kind of right to judge what you do…….So run again Adam Clayton Powell. I’m just waiting to cast my vote for you.”
Sincerely,
Blanche K. Henderson”
Letters To Congressman Powell Seeking Assistance
“sept 22196i
Dear Mr. Powell
I am writing to you because I need help. And I cant seen to get any help any place else. I have ask the Mayor for help. An I am strilin one room. Me and my four kids. Mayor Wagner……… I cant see what is taking so long……
Sincerely your friend
Edward Hunter
18.. Madi.. n Ave.
New York, 35 n y”
“January 30, 1956
Congressman: Adam Clayton Powell
132 West 138th Street
New York, N. Y.
Attention Congressman Powell
Dear Sir:
First of All may I say that your career in the legislative branch of our government has been an interesting one to follow……Upon separation from the service this summer……..That is why I am asking for your cooperation in securing a …..
Very truly yours,
Ber…. D…r
February 1, 1956
Honorable Robert H. Schaffer
New York Post Office
New York 1, New York
Dear Mr. Schaffer:
I am writing to you in behalf of Mr. Bernard N. Dyer…Mr. Dyer is a veteran, who has……..
Very truly yours,
Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
” International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, etc. Union
325 Spring Street
New York, New York”
December 16th, 1955
Honorable Adam Clayton Powell ,
132 138th Street,
New York, New York
Dear Sir:
On January 18t , 1956, at 6:00 P. M. thousands of New York City Taxicab Drivers will hold a mass rally at Manhattan Center, 34th Street West of Eighth Avenue, New York City……We would appreciate……..
Fraternally yours,
Thomas L. Hickey, Vice-President “
(Flyer is attached)
“Mr. Thomas L. Hickey
Vice President
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, etc. Union
325 Spring Street
New York, New York
My Dear Hickey:
Congressman Powell has asked me to inform you that he will be delighted to ………
Very truly yours,
Ella V. Mears
Secretary
evn
N.Y. Office”
299 W. 12th Street
New York, NewYork
March 1, 1967
Dear Congressman Powell:
“Several days ago I wrote a letter to my own Congressman protesting the proposed censure, fining loss of seniority plan. Obviously my letter meant nothing……”
Keep the Faith Baby.
Yours,
L i s C. S hw r z
299 West 12th Street
New York, New York
March 1, 1967
Dear Mr. President:
I have just heard the news report that the House of Representatives has barred Rep. Adam Clayton Powell from membership. I want to say that I am shocked and appalled at this decision and I feel that the time is long overdue for you to speak in behalf of Rep. Powell’s rights as a citizen and a representative of Harlem.”…….
Respectfully yours,
Lois C. Sc r tz
February 10, 1958
Library of Congress
“New York City: Some Significant Events, 1808 – 1958
“The attached information is forwarded in response to the inquiry from your office noted below.”
Respectfully,
E n t S. Gr fith
Sept 22196i
Dear Mr. Powell
“I am writing to you because I need help . And I cant seem to get any help any place else. I have ask the mayor for help. An I am still in one room. Me an my four kids. Mayor Wagner did not do anything for me……”
Sincerely your friend
E ar Hu te
1835 Madison Ave.
New York 35 N Y
February 1, 1956
Hon. Robert H. Schaffer
New York Post Office
New York 1, New York
Dear Mr.Schaffer:
I am writing to you in behalf of Mr. Bernard ……. West Street who has requested my assistance in obtaining temporary work with the New York Post Office. Mr.Dyer is a Veteran who has had to have two operations due to service injuries…………
Very truly yours,
Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Member of Congress
57 East 129 Street
New York, N. Y.10035
March 2, 1967
Dear Representative Powell:
“Last night when I heard the news, I was so furious I was positively livid. Tonight’s news, however puts a different picture on things – the judgment in your favor; the drawing back from what they’ve done by those bastards who had the gall and ……”