St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1955-02-25
BY FRANK SMITH
President st. Paul Branch
NAACP

The year 1904 was one OF the
busiest in the history of the st.
Paul branch of NAACP. While
there wasn't as many cases or dis
elimination or violations Of civil
rights called to the branch's at
tention as there has been in the
past, this Is by no means an indi-
cation that there is a decrease in
the number of places of public ac-
comodation that discriminate a.
gainst minorities.
What is taking place is that
public places for the most part
will no longer refuse Negro out
right, but instead, use subtle
means to discourage them from
coming back.
This is a much more difficult
pattern of discrimination to COM
bat.
The branch spent a large part
of its program in 1854 in the legis-
Iative field In behalf of FEPC on
a local and statewide level.
Below is summary Of the high
lights of the branch's activities
for the past year.
January: The branch sold S415.-
rs worth of NAACP Christmas
seals.
February: The branch assisted
prisoner in the state penitentiary
secure judgement papers.
Investigated and was intrumen-
tai in getting a case dropped in
municipal court against William
Rice.
A committee was appointed to
help draft the st. Paul FEP or
dinance.
The FEP committee reported
strong and workable ordinance
that was approved by the execu-
tive board of the branch.
Milton Rosen spoke to the men,
bership and supported a FEPC or
dinance with enforcement powers.
The Women's auxiliary of the
branch was organized.
March: The branch president at
tended the Freedom Fulfillment
conference in Washington, d. c.,
representing the Minnesota State
Conference and the three branches
in the state.
The branch pledged $1,000 to
the Fighting Fund for Freedom.
April: The auditing committee
reported that the total income of
the branch for 1858 was S1,S11.50.
May: The branch received fav-
orable responses from the mayor
and members of the city council in
regards to the proposed FEP ord
dinance.
The branch went on record op-
posing the Minnesota Negro Golf
tournament. The membership
drive raised almost $1,000.
June: The membership voted to
present J. A. A. Burnquist, retir-
ing encouragement, citation
for his interest and concern in
NAACP and for his work as the
branch's first president 35 years
ago
The branch voted to oppose the
recommendation made by the Hill
Recreational Study committee to
extend and develop the Hollow
playground.
A committee was formed to
meet with the mayor and city
council to secure passage of the
FEP ordinance.
July: Three delegates attended
the national convention in Dallas,
Texas.
August: The delegates gave
their reports on the national con-
yention.
September: The branch raised
500 for the Fighting Fund for
Freedom.
The president attended the
funeral of George w. Dozier, pio-
neer NAACP stalwart and presi-
dent of the Duluth branch
October: The branch spearhead-
ed a campaign against police bru-
tally in ST. Paul. Orchard Da-
visl.
| November: The nominating
committee was appointed for the
annual election.
/ December; The branch housing
committee urged the ST. Paul
Housing and Redevelopment Au-
thority to insert a non-discrimina-
tory clause in resales contracts.
The executive board approved
the location of the branch head