1960 Educating Others
Following the first, and successful, Human Rights Workshop in November, 1959, the Catholic Interracial Council of the Twin Cities (CICTC) continued to focus on educating others about racial discrimination in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area during 1960. As noted in a number of newsletters, a team of CICTC members made presentations on interracial issues from a Catholic perspective to a wide variety of audiences at schools, churches, and on local TV and radio programs. In the fall, educational opportunities included the first Catholic Interracial Week, a High School Interracial Study Day, and the second annual Human Rights Workshop.
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Front page news in this March, 1960, edition of Branches includes mention of the appointment of the first native African Cardinal, Rev. Laurian [Laurean] Rugambwa, Bishop of Rutabo, by Pope John XXIII. Also of note in the newsletter are affiliations with the local NAACP, Minneapolis Urban League, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Governor’s Human Rights Commission. The Chaplain’s Corner and President’s Message emphasize the need for both prayer and action.
This letter from CICTC President, James Leadon, to area Catholic organizations includes a list of available speakers and topics. The letter also expresses concern for many Black families whose homes are in the path of an urban renewal freeway project, heightening the need to educate citizens about the injustice of racial discrimination.
The fall of 1960 was a time for special events. The agenda for the CICTC’s second annual Human Rights Workshop is included in this October, 1960, edition of Branches. The first Catholic Interracial Week included Mass and a breakfast. And students are not excluded from the CICTC’s education focus: the first High School Interracial Study Day presented sessions on international, national and local issues for Blacks.
Think about . . .
The CICTC used newsletters, speakers, workshops, and personal contacts to educate others about Catholic teachings on interracial justice.
- What additional methods can an organization use to educate the community about their cause?
- There are many outlets and sources of information in today’s society. What, do you think, is the most effective method to educate the community about an organization’s cause or a current social issue?