1963 A Year of Turmoil
The 1963 newsletters of the Catholic Interracial Council of the Twin Cities (CICTC) are filled with anxiety and frustration, but also hope for the future. National events included the voice of Martin Luther King Jr., the escalation in protests against segregation, the Birmingham bombings and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Each event had an impact on the CICTC.
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This February issue of Branches includes a discussion of the role of church leadership in changing people's minds on segregation, as well as the need for people to prioritize God's law of equality over man's law of inequality. The issue also contains an article on a speech given by Martin Luther King Jr. at the University of Minnesota in January where he laid out his principles of non-violence and expressed his frustration with voting rights and segregation.
The March for Jobs and Freedom is the focus of the September issue of Branches, with multiple perspectives given. However, this is not the only work of the CICTC. Also mentioned is the group's participation at several religious conferences and a teacher's convention. Donations are also requested in support of the Birmingham bombing victims.
The October newsletter asked members to reach out to their congressman to vote for the Civil Rights bill. This request indicates the need for open housing in Minneapolis and St. Paul at that time. Finally, upcoming conferences and new board appointments are also mentioned, providing a view of the day-to-day activities of the organization.
The December issue opens with announcement of the death of the Catholic Interracial Council movement’s founder, Father John La Farge. Likewise, there is commentary on the death of President John F. Kennedy. The issue also includes an article on the St. Paul Conference for Race and Religion, and a report on the National Catholic Conference for Interracial Justice convention.
This document is a sign-up form and guide for an interracial home visit. These home visits were inspired by similar gatherings conducted by Friendship House in Chicago. Black households hosted white guests as an opportunity to learn about each other. They frequently involved a mediator from the CICTC, but the home visits were popular enough that they did not have sufficient individuals to fill these positions.
Think about...
Due to today's expanded media outlets, national and global events have a far greater impact.
- Which of the events noted above do you think had the greatest impact on the CICTC?
- Think of a recent national or global event. How has it impacted you as an individual or an organization you belong to?