One of the most effective ways to combat inferior living conditions is to take an active part in one of the various neighborhood organizations being formed or, for that matter, one that is already in action. A list of these organizations will be furnished upon request by writing me at 5747 Westminster (Zip 63112).
Many of these groups are highly successful; however, I would like to focus on one that is still in its infancy: the Hamilton School Committee.
The Hamilton School Committee (thus far existing in name only) will attack the many problems concerning Hamilton School, and if it is successful, should initiate means of providing better educational facilities for the children in our area, for Hamilton has long been neglected.
A phone interview with Mrs. Christine Wright and Mrs. Marie Rowels disclosed the fact that there is an urgent need to alleviate overcrowded conditions and stop busing of students to other schools.
Rumor has it that a boundary reduction would check this problem. There is also talk of rehabilitating the former Bettendorf’s store and using it for a school.
One good neighbor (who prefers to remain anonymous) expressed the opinion that the principal (Edgar Barnett) is in a key position to present proposals to the Board of Education. A step in the right direction should open up avenues for poor Hamilton.
Of course, I could write a book about the difficulties and the semi-opinionated solutions, but we need the ideas of several concerned neighbors, including you, so that we might consider them comparitively and produce the right answers.
The Hamilton Committee needs you. As a black man, I am looking for some black faces in this committee. Let’s not depend on our white neighbors to do everything for us. Can you dig it? Brothers! Sisters! We can do it! Please get it together and join this committee, even if you don’t have children at Hamilton. We welcome your interest and ideas, and we need your support.
Remember, love is the strongest force on earth. Understanding is next. If there is anything you didn’t understand, please write me and I will try to explain it to you more fully. Also, write me if you have comments or criticisms. I will be glad to hear from you.
LET’S STAY BLACK TOGETHER.
Original photograph caption
Original portrait printed with Bob Brown’s column, The Paper, February 1971, page 2.
Originally published in The Paper, February 1971.
