1964 Turning Winds
The Catholic Interracial Council of the Twin Cities (CICTC) continued to push for justice, human rights and equal housing in1964. Although less chaotic than 1963, events such as the rise of Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, Lyndon Johnson's presidency and the Vietnam War continued to impact the CICTC. Of significance is the signing of the Civil Rights bill.
Click on an item’s image to view the full text.
The April issue of Branches opens with a plea for CICTC members to write to their senators in support of the Civil Rights bill. This newsletter also has an article reporting on the Minnesota Conference on Religion and Race, and includes several segments explaining the religious justifications for equality in the church, in housing and in employment.
A step forward! The June Branches celebrates the passage of the Civil Rights Act through the Senate. In addition, members are asked to complete a realtor card as a means to survey the Twin Cities housing market. This issue also contains a statement strongly supporting the Black Muslims, an organization connected to the Nation of Islam, essentially saying that the existence of the group is an indictment of “the white American majority” who have promoted segregation.
Another celebration is noted in the August Branches, this time for the passage of a civil rights ordinance in St. Paul that includes housing protections. The Chaplain's Corner addresses the moral rightness of peaceful demonstrations using the example of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. And the President's Message sends thanks to the Mississippi task force for their help to register black voters, despite strong resistance and opposition.
Think about...
In a democratic society, everyone has a voice in how our country is led.
- Describe a time when you wrote to, or wanted to write to, a local, state or national government representative.
- How much of an impact do you think we have in influencing our government representatives?