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Desegregation within Georgia Library Association, 1951-1965

 File — Box: 5, Folder: 30
Collection number: Folder 30

Scope and Contents

1.Resolution to end restricted membership policy on 01/15/65 2.Report of Special Membership Policy Committee 1963. Concludes that as no cities in Georgia allowed integrated meetings, no Negro librarians would be invited to join the GLA. (3 copies) 3.Letter from Essae Martha Culver to Miss Sarah Jones on 03/29/51, asking if Negros were permitted to join the GLA 4.Letter from Mrs. J. Henley Crosland to Miss Essae M. Culver on 04/07/51, replying that Negros are not prohibited from joining, but state law does not allow Negros to participate in social functions. 5.Letter from Mabel E. Willoughby to Mrs. J. Henley Crosland on 01/11/52, considering establishing a separate library association in Alabama. 6. Letter from Sarah Hightower to Miss Mabel Willoughby on 02/11/52, explaining GLA’s policy on Negro attendance. 7. Report of Special Membership Policy Committee to GLA Executive Board 1963. The GLA will not invite Negros to join until public accommodations in Georgia become integrated. 8. The Desegregation of Georgia Library Association 1961. A list of reasons why desegregation should not happen, such as the loss of funds and support in some communities and there are too many Negros in the state and they would overwhelm the organization. arguments for integration argue that it looks bad on the national scene and it would allow them to join the ALA. (3 copies) 10. Statement from Edwin Castagna to ALA Officers on 08/05/64. ALA members should refrain from attending any meetings in states that don’t have integrated memberships: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 14. Letter from Mr. David H. Clift to Mr. Edwin Castagna 1963. Alabama has quietly allowed integration in their state organization, but wishes it to not be announced yet so as not to upset some people. 15.Letter from Miss Mary Edna Anders to Mr. Edwin Castagna on 09/10/64, expressing regret at the ALA’s decision to exclude Georgia. She wishes to remain a member of both organizations and doesn’t thing it is fair for the ALA to insist on her making a choice. 16. Letter from Miss Mary Edna Anders to Mr. Walter T. Johnston on 09/11/64, choosing the State group over the national group. She is sure Negros will be allowed membership in the future. 17.Letter from Florrinell F. Morton to Mr. Edwin Castagna on 10/05/64, supporting integration, but opposed to the ALA’s position on excluding chapters in states that are not integrated. 18.Draft 12/30/64, the executive board’s decision to move toward ending segregation in the GLA. 19.Letter from E. J. Josey (a Black librarian) to Mr. Walter T. Johnston on 11/9/64. Requesting to join the GLA. 20. Letter from E. J. Josey (a Black librarian) to Mr. Walter T. Johnston on 11/30/64. He was encouraged that the organization would soon change its policies.

Dates

  • Created: 1951-1965

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research

Extent

From the Collection: 90 Boxes

From the Collection: 2 binders

Language

From the Collection: English

Repository Details

Part of the Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Valdosta State University Archives, Odum Library
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta GA 30601 United States
7063728116
229-259-5055 (Fax)