St. Paul recorder., 1956-02-24

10 guarantee coilStltuilohal
rights to all Americans and pro
tect the nations international
reputation" accordiNg to Leroy +.
Lazenberry, Ss5 ~ Chatsworth
st, St Paul,
Lazenberry said success OF the
Twin Cities campaign indicates
that Campaign for Courage" may
represent the most extensive
mass-g giving in large amounts by
Negroes in the history OF the
country. He said Negroes are or
ganizing the campaign in several
other cities.
"The Negro now sees that there
can be no free ride TO freedom
that II has to be paid for by sac
rfice and struggle" the groups
president said
He referred to mob action to
force a Negro woman student out
Of the University OF Alabama, and
to other activities by White Citi-
zens' Councils, as things which
moved Negro citizens to give un-
III II hurts"
The money will be used to give
cash awards and medals to indi-
wduals who show great courage in
trying to uphold the decision OF
the United States Supreme Court
outlawing racial segregation in
schools, parks and so forth, Lazen-
berry said.
The Campaign for Courage, a
non-political. non-profit organiza-
ton with no paid staff, announced
these goals;
1. To lend encouragement and
moral support TO people regard
less of race or color. living In the
South. who are carrying on the
fight 20 uphold the law Of the
..ssnt. 40 thai In those states no
person shall be Disseminated n
gainst nor deprived Of his con-
stitutional rights because Of
race, creed, color or origin.
2. To mobilize the support and
affirmative expressions OF the
entire nation 80 as 10 reinforce
the determination OF those per-
sons participating In the fight
for freedom.
8. To present appropriate n
wards 10 persons making signi-
ficant contributions 30 the fight
for freedom and democracy
through their activities.
4. To give evidence TO the ma
tion that Negroes in the United
States, North and South, stand
united and solidly behind efforts
20 end racial segregation and
achieve first class citizenship
for all Americans.
This is more than an effort to
help the Negro" said Lazenberry
"As American citizens we feel an
obligation 10 see that n small
group OF bigots do not wreck the
South or plunge our nation and
our democracy into disrepute,"
He referred to several instances
where Negroes and whites speak
ing in support Of the courts rul-
ing against segregation have been
"harassed, intimidated, boycotted.
ostracized socially and even sub
iected to physical punishment"
"Our campaign is TO let those
people know that millions Of
Americans support them with
much more than lip service" La
zenberry said. This Is our way Of
saying that the Negro Is deter
mined to reach his goal for first
class citizenship in a democratic
manner, and that he will not wait
until the sweet bye and bye.
The Negro is willing TO sacri-
flee, for his own freedom and for
his country's future"
Lazenberry said the world must
be shown that the American Ne
gro can get justice through the
courts, through the legal processes
of democracy As Americans,
dedicated 10 democracy we feel
obligated 10 unite and to call on
all other Americans 10 help see
that no portion Of this nation is
reduced 10 mob rule, and that our
constitution does not become a
sham and a mockery"
Although all original contrbu-
tors TO the campaign are Negroes,
said the awards viii
be given simply to people who
show courage in upholding the
principles Of democracy ~ no
special race, color or creed"
Likewise, the Campaign will ac-
cept donations from members Of
all races and creeds.
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