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
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
“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.
L i s C. S hw r z
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.”…….
Lois C. Sc r tz
“The attached information is forwarded in response to the inquiry from your office noted below.”
E n t S. Gr fith
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……”
1835 Madison Ave.
Hon. Robert H. 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…………
Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
New York, N. Y.10035
“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 ……”
B…..ch……. He….s..n