Letter from Charles R. Hollolman to President Harry S. Truman

Box 4289, Duke University Durham, North Carolina P.P.F. March 12, 1948 President Harry S. Truman 200 White House Washington, D. C. 2/2/48 Dear Mr. President: H I am submitting the proposal in this letter to you for several reasons: First, I am deeply concerned about the present dissention that bids fair to ruin the Democratic Party and to interrupt its liberal administration of our government. Second, I am deeply concerned about the status of our Negro citizens in the south and, while idealistically I agree entirely with your civil rights proposals, I suggest a query as to its effect if adopted. There are several premises which I advance as a basis for the proposition to be suggested to you. First, a majority of white people in the south are strongly prejudiced against the civil rights proposal and against our Negro citizens. That is a sad but true statement of fact, I believe. Second, the mere suggestion or offer of such legislation has given rise to an increasing crescendo of racist discussion and anti-Negro activity, both of which we can expect to increase to no-one-knows- what bounds if the legislation is enacted. Third, where a majority or even a large minority strongly opposes a law, such a law can be enforced only by unusually strong police measures which may amount to measures of a police state. Fourth, many bigoted people will blame the Negro for any civil rights measures that are passed in the face of southern opposition. On the basis of these premises, which I believe to be true, the present civil rights program may harm the Negro citizens in the south more than it will help. May I offer a suggestion as to another approach for your consideration. It seems to me that this approach will accomplish eventually the purpose which you had in mind while avoiding some of the stronger objections. I propose that the Congress appropriate funds to assist Negroes who wish to immigrate voluntarily from the south to other regions where equal or more nearly equal civil rights and opportunities are at present afforded members of the race. As you know, even now large numbers of Negroes leave the south every year; but, because of a lack of assistance, guidance, or even information, they tend to concentrate in places like Harlem and Paradise Valley, creating "southern" conditions there to their disadvantage. They deserve something better, and the federal government would do well to render them such assistance.