letters written by Louise Bennett during her time at Swarthmore College
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Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee
Article from the Swarthmore Phoenix published on November 9, 1962 reports on a drive for the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) done on election day by Swarthmore students. The fundraising event was for the benefit of SNCC's voter registration campaign in the South, aimed at addressing the suppression of voting rights for Black people. Reactions from the voters are described, and sponsors of the drive and endorsements from politicians are listed.
http://triptych.brynmawr.edu/cdm/ref/collection/SC_Phoenix/id/15013
Article from The Swarthmore Phoenix published on May 12, 1964 about the Swarthmore Political Action Club (SPAC) summer projects plans sponsored by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). Students are described as organizing community projects in Chester, Philadelphia, Newark, Trenton, Louisville, Hazard, and Chicago. Their hopes for the outcome of their projects, as well as their points of interest for both the committee and campus at large is mentioned. Also mentioned is an expressed desire to expand the scope of off-campus concerns outside of the country.
http://triptych.brynmawr.edu/cdm/ref/collection/SC_Phoenix/id/15455
Swarthmore (Pa.), Chester (Pa.), Philadelphia (Pa.), Newark (Nj.), Trenton (Nj.), Louisville (Ky.), Hazard (Ky.), and Chicago (Il.)
Article from The Swarthmore Phoenix published on April 12, 1964 covering the attendance and arrest of fourteen Swarthmore students at a kneel-in integration demonstration in Cambridge, Maryland, as well as its campus reception. The campus opinions featured include those in favor and opposition to the "kneel-ins," however the article cites a poll of the student body reflecting majority support. The critical comments about the demonstration range from questioning the motives, methods, and projected outcome of the demonstration and those participating. The author observes a lack of awareness amongst the student body, especially regarding current affairs outside of the United States. This is attributed to a lack of information communicated by members of the Swarthmore Political Action Club (SPAC) and the rest of the student body.
http://triptych.brynmawr.edu/cdm/ref/collection/SC_Phoenix/id/15157
SPAC Opposes Participation In NDEA Program
Article from the Swarthmore Phoenix published on December 12, 1962 covering a resolution released by the Swarthmore Political Action Club (SPAC) expressing opposition to Swarthmore's participation in the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) program. SPAC's concern with the program include the new provisions which would enable funds to be denied to students on the basis of membership with organizations registered with the Subversive Activities Control Board (SACB). The article cites reasons for SPAC's opposition to the program, including the restriction of academic freedom and freedom of association, as well as the lack of due process and clarity of the provision. Coverage of the debate where the resolution was passed is included and continues on another page. Below the article, there is a picture of Swarthmore students playing a sports game with visiting students from Lancaster.
http://triptych.brynmawr.edu/cdm/ref/collection/SC_Phoenix/id/15043
200 Negro and White Students Participate in Nashville Demonstrations
Article from the Swarthmore Phoenix published on December 4, 1962 covering the organization of a civil rights demonstration in Nashville, Tennessee by Black and white students who were participants at a conference on behalf of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. The demonstration brought attention to institutions who discriminated against Black people, including the Nashville YMCA, a couple of cafeterias, and four restaurants. The article mentions that none of the aforementioned institutions fulfilled the demands of the demonstrators. Also mentioned is the presence of a crowd gathered to watch the demonstration, as well as the Nashville police.
http://triptych.brynmawr.edu/cdm/ref/collection/SC_Phoenix/id/15038
College Promotes Effort To Gain Negro Applicants
Article from the Swarthmore Phoenix, published on December 4, 1962, announces that college will resume its program to recruit Black students through student recruiter visits over winter break. The goals of the program are described as attempting to encourage Black students to seek a college education, to make Swarthmore seem like a reasonable goal, and to introduce the college to Black students who are interested. Jerry Nelson mentions that enthusiasm of student recruiters is more important than being able to communicate fact and detail.
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (U.S.)
Article from the Swarthmore Phoenix, published on November 30, 1962, reports about the three day conference in Nashville, Tennessee with over 200 members of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Members provide reports about their voter registration projects, particularly in the areas of southwest Georgia and the delta area of Mississippi. They discuss recent injunctions issued against civil rights actions that harass the movement and deliberate over whether they should violate the injunction or not; most are in favor of violation, comparing the injunctions to other unjust laws. SNCC staff Bob Zellner advocates for policy regarding "subversives" and the acceptance of aid and support from those regardless of political affiliation. This issue, along with that regarding the injunctions, is set to be discussed at the next SNCC executive meeting. Comments by Reverend Slater King from Albany, Georgia are disclosed including his goals of the civil rights movement. At the end of the conference, the closing address by executive director Charles McDew is reported to have emphasized the civil right's movement ultimate concern with justice, freedom, and equality-- not just integration.
http://triptych.brynmawr.edu/cdm/ref/collection/SC_Phoenix/id/15033