February 9, 1959

Mr Frayser T. Lane
Chicago Urban League
2410 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago 16, Illinois

Dear Mr Lane,

Mr. Hughes has left on his Negro History Work
lecture tour which will take him as far as Tuskegee
Institute, so I am answering your letter of February
7th.

It is true that he will be in Chicago on
Friday, February 13th, but he will have to be in
Cleveland on the very next day—the day of your
breakfast—for an appearance there. I know that he
will be extremely sorry that he will not be able to
be present.

Thank you for your kind invitation.

Mr. Edwin C. Berry
National Urban League
2410 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

February 24, 1960

Dear Berry:

You may recall that a couple of years or so ago the Chicago Urban League was interested in possibly bringing my show, SIMPLY HEAVENLY, to Chicago as a benefit for the League. Being by then classified as a full scale Broadway play-with-music, the cost would have been something like $10,000, with union musicians, union stage hands, and an Equity case, plus transportation.

My current off-Broadway show---a montage of my poems, plus GOD'S TROMBONES by James Weldon Johnson as a curtain raiser with Fred O'Neil and an acting-singing congregation---would be much less expensive. Union musicians are eliminated as the background score is taped, and the cast is small---ten people. There are nos heavy sets, just platforms and lights and props which could be gotten in Chicago. Only hitch is it is an intimate sort of production which should be done in a fairly small theatre---like the Goodman---perhaps for a series of performances over a weekend, but *not* in a large place like the Opera House.

If you think this might interest the League, while it is still running and the cast intact, it might be wise to contact the producers soon in case it seems feasible to you:

Mr. Howard Gottfried,
250 West 57th Street,
New York, N. Y.

Or the co-producer and adaptor, Robert Glenn, at the same address; telephone number: Ju. 2-1773. Perhaps someone in the New York national office of the League might ascertain the costs, etc., for you.

All of the reviews were very good, particularly the TIMES, which gives it additionally mention of the front page of the Drama Section today, Sunday, February 21, in the lead column. Negroes---and others---seem to like the show very much. And certainly my portion treats of some of the problems with which the Urban League is concerned.

I was sorry not to have seen you and your wife and son in Chicago a couple of Sundays ago. I was just there for the day, and had TWO programs, one Southside and one Westside. Both with standees, so I guess they were "successful."

Langston Hughes

January 29, 1952

Miss Jeanette Harris
The Urban League of Cleveland
8311 Quincy Avenue
Cleveland 4, Ohio

Dear Miss Harris:

Thank you very much for your kind invitation to be on
the Urban league's program on Saturday February 9th,
but unfortunately I have to leave immediately after my
Folk Festival program for Fayetteville, North Carolina,
to appear for the opening of Negro History Week at
State Teacher's College there. I remember with great
pleasure former appearances on the Urban League's radio
program and am sorry that I cannot be with you this time.

With all good wishes to you, I remain

Sincerely,

LH/wc

PLOW
Lec. cards sent to both.

DETROIT URBAN LEAGUE

For Social Service Among Negroes

606 EAST VERNOR HIGHWAY, DETROIT, MICHIGAN
TELEPHONE CHERRY 1325
J. T. SHEAFOR, PRESIDENT
JOHN C. DANCY, DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE BOARD

MRS. HALEY BELL
MRS. GEORGE M. BLACK, JR.
MRS. HAROLD E. BLEDSOE
FRED M. BUTZEL
CHESTER M. CULVER
MRS. ROSCOE G. FULLER
MRS. CHARLES F. GREEN
MRS. ROBERT C. JAMIESON
ALBERT H. JOHNSON, M.D.
FRED R. JOHNSON
MRS. LILLIAN E. JOHNSON
MISS EDLA LAURSON
C. HENRI LEWIS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

JOSEPH J. McFAWN
MRS. JOHN J. O'BRIEN
JOHN P. O'HARA
HARRY S. POPE
MRS. WILLARD POPE
JULIAN P. RODGERS
CECIL L. ROWLETTE
SAMUEL RUSSELL
J. T. SHEAFOR
MRS. FRANK C. SIBLEY
H. E. SIMMS, M.D.
MRS. C. S. SMITH
MRS. CHARLES E. WHITBY
CHARLES T. WINEGAR

November 18, 1943

My dear Lank:

The West Side Human Relations Council, a neighborhood coor-
dinating group, affiliated with the Detroit Council of Social
Agencies has asked me to write you to see if you would be
available for a speaking engagement on Monday, May 8th. It
was felt that since you would be here at Plymouth Church on
May 7th it might be possible for you to speak at one of a
series of meetings which they are sponsoring this year.

I work closely with the group and know that their financial
resources are limited but I am sure that they would fulfill
any financial obligation which they assumed for your presence.

Will you give the idea some thought and send your decision
to Mr. W. C. Seipp, Columbian School, 5130 McKinnley Street,
Detroit 8, Michigan as soon as you can?

Quite a bit of water has gone under the bridge since you were
here last -- some blood, too -- but Detroit moves on.

If you find time I would appreciate a line from you relative
to your decision for May 8th.

With best wishes for continued good luck,

MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL AGENCIES AND A PARTICIPANT IN THE WAR CHEST OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT

Eng. 3-4988

Englewood Urban League, Inc.

28 N. VAN BRUNT STREET, ENGLEWOOD, NEW JERSEY

Affiliated with National Urban League

DR. WILLIAM JENKINS
President

MR. ALBERT NUELSEN
1st Vice-President

MRS. J. W. V. CORDICE
Secretary

MRS. ALBERT METZGER
Treasurer

MRS. RAYMOND JENNINGS
2nd Vice-President

NIDA E. THOMAS
Executive Secretary

Board of Directors

MRS. THOMAS BRAXTON
EDWARD CRAMER
NATHANIEL DICKERSON
LOUIS N. EPPS
FRED FERBER
MISS KATHERINE GARDNER
DR. HARRY H. GILES
MRS. CONRIGHT GREER
CHARLES B. HINTON
REV. WARREN HOWELL
HARRY HUNTER
MRS. JOHN MITCHELL
MRS. HAMPDEN MOORE
MRS. ETHELYN C. MURPHY
MR. CHARLES C. PARLIN, JR.
MRS. CHARLES C. PARLIN, JR.
HOMER F. PERRY
JOHN PERRY
ALBERT F. SMITH
NEHEMIAH SMITH
MRS. KATSUKO TAKAGI
MISS ISOBEL WILLCOX

October 8, 1954

Mr. Langston Hughes
120 E. 127th St.
New York, N. Y.

Dear Mr. Hughes:

The Education Committee of the Englewood Urban League is planning a series of monthly book discussions on the topic: "Put Democracy to Work."

The purpose of the discussion is to stimulate more people to read thereby becoming better informed on current issues.

The committee would like to take this opportunity to invite you to be one of our discussion leaders on Thursday, February 10. The topic for that discussion is All Men Are Brothers and is scheduled for 8:00 p. m. at the Englewood Public Library 71 E. Palisades Ave., Englewood, N. J.

The source book we are using as a guide is "Put Democracy to Work." by R. H. Wagner and I. E. Green.

We do hope it will be convenient for you to participate.

November 18, 1954

Mrs. Conright Greer,
Englewood Urban League,
Englewood, New Jersey.

Dear Mrs. Greer,

Thank you for your kind invitation to partic-
cipate in your monthly book discussion in February.
I regret very much that I cannot do so, my schedule
being such that I cannot accept any engagements for
the winter other than those I already have. But I
do appreciate your thinking of me.

**EVERYBODY KNOWS** Essex County is better off today than Montgomery County. But if you think Negroes and other minority peoples here live where they can afford to live, work where they are qualified to work, play as they please . . . that they get the same educational - medical - social breaks as whites . . . *think again*. If all doors were open to all peoples, the Urban League's doors would be closed.

**GETTING JOBS** for qualified non-white workers means contacting at least 500 employers; interviewing and counseling at least 2,000 prospective applicants a year. Last year, the Essex County Urban League placed 65 qualified workers in jobs not normally open to them. One out of two persons referred to an employer got the job. This year our Vocational Services program shifts into high gear. Goal for 1957: More non-whites in air, rail transport and baking industries.

**HOUSING?** Most Negroes, Puerto Ricans and other peoples *do* have roofs over their heads. Of course the roof may leak a little. So may the plumbing. Sometimes it's hard to move around with four, five or more in a room. Rents in the Central Ward may be a little high . . . Maybe that's why, in 1956, half the people who came to 58 Jones St. came to ask about a better place to live. Last year the League located suitable housing for 58 families. That's 380 persons - 297 of them children.

**40,000 SNAP SHOTS?** Yes . . . and more precious than any in your scrapbook. Last year, the Urban League's Neighborhood Secretary worked with county and state tuberculosis leagues in X-raying 40,000 people in Newark. Community groups were organized to explain the X-ray program and other health and hygiene projects to countless families. We plan to go right on with these projects this year.

**COMMUNITY SERVICES** is a mighty fine phrase. Let's translate it into: (1) Developing adoptive homes for hundreds of children who are handicapped only by the color of their skin; (2) Running a Homemakers Institute for more than 500 women who want to learn more about the art of homemaking; (3) Bringing neighbors together in conferences to talk over *and solve* the problems that interfere with day-to-day getting along together; (4) Organizing neighborhood councils, conducting parents clinics and carrying out community improvement projects.

No more room to tell you about the Urban League's recreation programs . . . welfare and referral services . . . research projects . . . scholarships . . . intergroup relations activities. But you have a pretty good idea now of what this agency does. Chances are you support its aims.

That's fine . . . but it takes more. The "little wheel" may "run by faith" but the Urban League of Essex County needs something else, too. It needs YOU as a member and it needs YOUR membership contribution. Membership dues are deductible from your income tax. I'd pitch for this league even if they weren't. How about you?

REMOVE THIS ENVELOPE - INSERT CHECK - MAIL TODAY

<table><tr><td>BUSINESS REPLY ENVELOPE</td></tr><tr><td>FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 5711, NEWARK, N. J.</td></tr></table>

Urban League of Essex County

58 JONES STREET

NEWARK 3, NEW JERSEY

**HOUSING?** Most Negroes, Puerto Ricans and other peoples *do* have roofs over their heads. Of course the roof may leak a little. So may the plumbing. Sometimes it's hard to move around with four, five or more in a room. Rents in the Central Ward may be a little high . . . Maybe that's why, in 1956, half the people who came to 58 Jones St. came to ask about a better place to live. Last year the League located suitable housing for 58 families. That's 380 persons — 297 of them children.

No more room to tell you about the Urban
- programs . . . welfare and
- the people . . .

Membership in the Urban League Guild, an auxiliary group dedicated to raising funds and promoting the objectives of the League, are open to all Urban League members who pay dues of three dollars or more. Indicate on the form whether you also wish to belong to the Guild. All checks should be made payable to URBAN LEAGUE OF ESSEX COUNTY.

URBAN LEAGUE OF ESSEX COUNTY

An affiliate of the National Urban League
Member Welfare Federation of Newark

58 Jones Street, Newark 3, N. J.
MARKet 2-5331

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

(Please print)

Name .................................................... Phone ....................................................
Address ....................................................

Enclosed is my dues in the sum of ................................ dollars to cover my membership as checked below for the year 1957.

☐ General Membership ...... $2 to $ 7
☐ Contributing Membership $7 to $25
☐ Sustaining Membership $25 or over

Checks should be made payable to:
URBAN LEAGUE OF
ESSEX COUNTY

Signature of Contributor ....................................................

Solicited by ....................................................

Contributions are deductible for Income Tax Purposes

MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS

$2.00

A General Membership entitles such members to:

* Voting privileges in all public meetings.

* Eligibility for appointment to Board of Directors.

* Eligibility for Urban League Committee appointments.

* Regular recipient of the official newsletter.

$7.00

A Contributing Membership entitles such members to:

(and up to $25.00)

* All of the above privileges and in addition,

$25.00

(and over)

☐ Sustaining Membership entities such members to all of the

* Special reports and publications of the National Urban League supplied through the Urban League of Essex County

No more room to tell you about the Urban League's recreation programs ... welfare and

**40,000 SNAP SHOTS?** Yes ... and more precious than any in your scrapbook. Last year, the Urban League's Neighborhood Secretary worked with county and state tuberculosis leagues in X-raying 40,000 people in Newark. Community groups were organized to explain the X-ray program and other health and hygiene projects to countless families. We plan to go right on with these projects this year.

**HOUSING?** Most Negroes, Puerto Ricans and other peoples *do* have roofs over their heads. Of course the roof may leak a little. So may the plumbing. Sometimes it's hard to move around with four, five or more in a room. Rents in the Central Ward may be a little high ... Maybe that's why, in 1956, half the people who came to 58 Jones St. came to ask about a better place to live. Last year the League located suitable housing for 58 families. That's 380 persons — 297 of them children.

**EVERYBODY KNOWS** Essex County is better off today than Montgomery County. But if you think Negroes and other minority peoples here live where they can afford to live, work where they are qualified to work, play as they please ... that they get the same educational - medical - social breaks as whites ... *think again*. If all doors were open to all peoples, the Urban League's doors would be closed.

On tour
San Francisco, Calif.

April 22, 1944

Dear Mr. Valentine;

I am enclosing a sample program of my appearance at Tucson. You may if you like, have music at the beginning and at the end of my reading. My part of the program usually takes about an hour. It is customary most places to have someone introduce me.

Is my engagement in the afternoon or evening, and how far is Flint from Detroit? If it is in the afternoon, I shall probably arrive the night before. Since I have a Monday noon engagement in Detroit, I should like to return to Detroit late Sunday nite if that is possible. Else I would have to take an early morning train on Monday. Would you be so kind as to drop me a note at the Hotel Grand, 5044 So. Parkway, Chicago, Ill., answering my questions. I shall be there by May 1st.

I have ordered a few of my books for those who might wish to secure autographed copies to be sent me in your care. It might also be wise to advise local book shops of my coming.

Mr. Valentine
412 CIO Bldg.
Flint

THE URBAN LEAGUE of FLINT

412 C. I. O. BLDG.

TELEPHONE 4-5521

FLINT 3, MICHIGAN

April 28, 1944

WILLIAM R. VALENTINE, JR.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

OFFICERS:

PRESIDENT
THOMAS F. WOLCOTT

VICE PRESIDENT
DR. J. W. MOORE

SECRETARY
MRS. MARIE WRIGHT

TREASURER
MRS. ALICE W. GAULT

MEMBERS OF BOARD:

J. C. BRAYTON
MRS. J. P. BRYANT
A. F. BUTLER
R. C. CHANDLER
EDWARD CUMINGS
ERNEST DORSEY
REV. NORMAN DUKETTE
MRS. ARTHUR ELLIOTT
GEORGE FRILEY
A. B. C. HARDY
REV. OTIS JACKSON
DUDLEY MALLORY
RALPH MARLATT
J. D. McCALLUM
MISS ALICE MEADOWS
C. S. MOTT
MISS FLORENCE RIDDELL
W. C. ROSS
DR. J. D. WILSON
REV. ROBERT R. TURPIN

Mr. Langston Hughes
Grand Hotel
5044 South Parkway
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Mr. Hughes:

I received your letter and the sample program. We have decided to have only the singing of the National Anthem at the opening of the program, and of "Lift Every Voice" at the close of the program. The rest of the time will be devoted to your part of the program.

You will be introduced by Miss Eloise Mitchell, President of the Urban League Guild, the group whose efforts have made it possible for us to present you. The program is scheduled for three o'clock in the afternoon, on Sunday, May 7.

Flint is about 60 miles from Detroit. There are only two trains from Detroit to Flint, one arriving here at 2:45 AM and one at 11:25 AM. This is the Pere Marquette Line. The best way for you to come from Detroit would be by Greyhound Bus, which leaves Detroit for Flint every hour.

Unless I hear from you to the contrary, we shall look for you on Saturday. You may phone me in the bus station at 2-3692 and I shall meet you, or if you let me know in advance what bus you are taking, I shall be there to meet it.

Two packages of books have arrived. We are holding them here in our office.

WRV:og

AFFILIATED WITH THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

MEMBER AGENCY OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST

<table><tr><td>CLASS OF SERVICE</td></tr><tr><td>This is a full-rate Telegram or Cablegram unless its deferred character is indicated by a suitable symbol above or preceding the address.</td></tr></table>

WESTERN
UNION

1201

(22)

A. N. WILLIAMS
PRESIDENT

<table><tr><td colspan="2">SYMBOLS</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>= Day Letter</td></tr><tr><td>NL</td><td>= Night Letter</td></tr><tr><td>LC</td><td>= Deferred Cable</td></tr><tr><td>NLT</td><td>= Cable Night Letter</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Ship Radiogram</td></tr></table>

The filing time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is STANDARD TIME at point of destination.

OCT 5 MAY 1954

AM 8 54

CJ7 DL=FLINT MICH 1 848A

LANGSTON HUGHES=HOTEL GRAND

5044 SOUTHPARKWAY=

WOULD LIKE TO USE TWO OF BOOKS SENT BY PUBLISHER FOR DISPLAY AT LOCAL BOOK STORE WILL NOT BE SOLD WIRE REPLY

COLLECT=

Urban League,
WILLIAM VALENTINE 412 C 10 BLDG. Flint, Mich.

412 C 10.

Books may be displayed and sold as well if you wish Langston Hughes

THE COMPANY WILL APPRECIATE SUGGESTIONS FROM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE

EXECUTIVE BOARD

FRED GOLDMAN, PRESIDENT
JUDGE THOMAS V. HOLLAND,
VICE PRESIDENT
PRENTIS J. HOFFMAN, VICE PRESIDENT
H. O. COOK, SECRETARY
NAT SPENCER, TREASURER
ROY J. BARKER
EARL W. BECK
BISHOP J. A. GREGG
AMOS SMITH
BISHOP ROBERT NELSON SPENCER
COL. RUBY D. GARRETT
FRANCIS A. WRIGHT

URBAN LEAGUE OF KANSAS CITY

FOR SOCIAL SERVICE AMONG NEGROES
AFFILIATED WITH NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

"NOT ALMS, BUT OPPORTUNITY"

1905 VINE STREET

KANSAS CITY, MO.

PHONES GRAND 0550-0551

THOMAS A. WEBSTER
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

May 22, 1935.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

REV. PHILLIP A. FARRELL
DR. J. E. DIBBLE
MRS. EMMA HARRISON
JAMES H. HERBERT
JAMES A. JEFFRESS
SIDNEY E. JOHNSON
HERBERT S. JONES
JOSEPH MYERS
DR. E. B. PERRY
MRS. MORTIMER R. PLATT
ATTY. CHARLES H. CALLOWAY
MRS. PRISCILLA BURD

Mr. Langston Hughes
10310 Wiegand Avenue
Los Angeles, California.

My dear Mr. Hughes:

I have your letter stating that it would be possible
for you to appear in Kansas City the latter part of June
or the week of the 8th to 13th of July.

Since plans have been made for Walter White of the
N.A.A.C.P to appear on June 24th and this organization
is sponsoring an exhibit of an Art Commentary on Lynch-
ing, I doubt seriously whether we could present you pro-
fitably at this time; that is, we do not have the assurance
of guaranteeing you the fee stated and to which I feel that
you are entitled for your efforts and position in American
Literature.

I trust at a later date with the joint effort of
several interested organizations, we may avail ourselves
of your services. If in your trip east from California in
June you care to stop in Kansas City, I shall be glad to
have you as my guest.

With much regret that we can not take advantage of
your splendid offer, I am

TAW-j

PARTICIPATES IN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHARITY FUND
MEMBER COUNCIL OF SOCIAL AGENCIES

URBAN LEAGUE OF KANSAS CITY, Inc.

1805 VINE STREET
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
GRAND 0550

OFFICERS
GEORGE M. HUSSER. PRESIDENT
EARL D. THOMAS, VICE-PRESIDENT
MISS EVAH LANE, VICE-PRESIDENT
CARL R. JOHNSON, TREASURER
JAMES A. JEFFRESS, SECRETARY

STAFF
THOMAS A. WEBSTER,
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

E. VINCENT SUITT,
INDUSTRIAL SECRETARY

MRS. JESSA RUFFIN,
NEIGHBORHOOD SECRETARY

MISS SALLIE T. JACKSON,
OFFICE MANAGER

July 20, 1943.

Mr. Langston Hughes
Yaddo-Saratoga Springs, New York

Dear Mr. Hughes:

Your card was forwarded to Mr. Webster in Chicago where he is attending the University of Chicago summer school.

At the time he wrote you about the leaflet that was being distributed, we did not have another and I intended to make some copies but sent the letter on and did not know I had not enclosed the leaflet until your card came yesterday. Sorry I forgot them.

MEMBER: COUNCIL OF SOCIAL AGENCIES. PARTICIPATES IN COMMUNITY FUND AND AFFILIATED WITH NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE, NEW YORK CITY.

23 OF OUR PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN DETROIT

For What? The want of Justice!

What are you working in war plants for ? To win the war,
or for what you can get?

The money is good now, but the ropes are longer after.
STRIKE! Now is the time. Demand justice now! You
are strong enough to do it. If you don't fight now,
it will be too late later.

We must die some time. Die for a good cause. Fight
for your people and make a country. You have no country
to fight for. You have been afraid to fight. Be with
the rest of the large cities. Just strike in war plants.
Don't destroy, but don't build anything. Demand why the
President sends white soldiers to kill your people without a
fighting chance. If they get away with this we are lost.

Strike! Now is the time. Remember, don't start any race
riot, but don't help win this war until you know what you
are doing.

DEMAND A SHOWDOWN NOW!

THE URBAN LEAGUE

Ans.
Sent---11/4/43:

JUBILEE
3 COMEDY SKETCHES
FREEDOM'S PLOW
CROW'S LA ST STAND
Lecture card
Songs
Columbia U. Folder
Chi. play sheet

of
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

2030 T STREET
October 15, 1943

Mr. Langston Hughes
New York Representative
Chicago Defender
New York, New York

Dear Mr. Hughes:

I wrote Mr. A. Bontemps for information about Negro plays for a little theater group. He advised that I write you before contacting Mr. Lieber his agent in New York. He suggested "When the Jack Hollers" and "Jubilee" but thought you might have some other plays that might be secured.

Will you please let me know about these plays and
how they may be secured?

CWM:RB

Member Lincoln Community Chest

Affiliated with The National Urban League

634 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York 30, New York

February 9, 1944

Dear Mr. Malone:

Only now does my schedule shape up so that I
know when I will be available for appearances
in Nebraska. My Mid-western lecture tour
opens at Chicago on February 20th. On March
11 and 12, I am appearing for the USO at
Junction City, Kansas. I could come to Lincoln
on March 9 or 10. Or, I could stop there on
my return from the Coast the last week in April
through to May 4, at any date you might set dur-
ing that period. I rather imagine the latter
dates would be preferable to you now, since March
is not so far away. You may write me here until
February 18. After that time and until March 7,
you may reach me in Chicago at the following
address:

Langston Hughes
Parkway Community House
5120 South Parkway
Chicago, Illinois

During early and mid-March I shall be on tour
through Texas to the Coast, from March 20 to
April 20, I may be addressed at:

Hollow Hills Farm
Monterey, California

With my very best regards to you,

LH:IC

<table><tr><td>CLASS OF SERVICE</td></tr><tr><td>This is a full-rate Telegram or Cable-gram unless its deferred character is indicated by a suitable symbol above or preceding the address.</td></tr></table>

BY DIRECT WIRE FROM
WESTERN
UNION

1224

<table><tr><td>SYMBOLS</td></tr><tr><td>DL = Day Letter</td></tr><tr><td>NT = Overnight Telegram</td></tr><tr><td>LC = Deferred Cable</td></tr><tr><td>NLT = Cable Night Letter</td></tr><tr><td>Ship Radiogram</td></tr></table>

A. N. WILLIAMS
PRESIDENT

NEWCOMB CARLTON
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

J. C. WILLEVER
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT

2 7

Lincoln Nebr April 27 44 604Pm

Langston Hughes,

Will Call WU Depot

OMAHA NEBR:

Take Burlington Zephyr leaving at Eight Oclock.

Clyde W Malone,

R-730Pm.,

AFFILIATED WITH NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
1133 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY

MILWAUKEE URBAN LEAGUE

Corner N. 9th and W. Vine Streets
MILWAUKEE 5, WISCONSIN
Telephone Concord 1970

WM. V. KELLEY
Executive Secretary

STAFF

MISS VERNICE CHENAULT
GROUP WORK SEC'Y

MRS. CLARA BRUCE
OFFICE SEC'Y

THOMAS BARNWELL
CUSTODIAN

ASSOCIATE STAFF

J. HOWARD OFFUTT
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

GERALD (BABY JOE GANS) SLAUGHTER
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DR. L. L. ALLEN, PRES.
MRS. H. C. KURTH, VICE-PRES.
MISS MABLE RAIMEY, SEC'Y
SIDNEY M. SIESEL, TREAS.
STAFF

COMER L. COX
BOYS' WORK SEC'Y

MRS. SARAH WHITE DALE
PLACEMENT SEC'Y
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPT.

PAUL PHILLIPS
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION SEC'Y

January 19, 1945

Mr. Langston Hughes
c/o Wm. B. Seakins
500 Fifth Avenue
New York 18, New York

Dear Friend Hughes:

Many people in Milwaukee have manifested considerable enthusiasm over your coming visit. Some have asked if there would be an opportunity to meet and talk with you informally. As one individual put it, he wanted to know "what makes the man tick."

We are told by Mr. Terry with whom you have corresponded that your evenings will be free. If you are agreeable to an informal reception, please let me know by return mail. Would you also indicate what evening would be preferable?

Be seeing you!

WVK/cb

FINANCED BY MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY FUND

REV. I. M. COGGS
ATT'Y JAMES W. DORSEY
ATT'Y GLENN DOUGHERTY
JACOB FRIEDRICH
DR. P. JAY GILMER
ATT'Y GEORGE W. HAMILTON
MRS. GERALD INGLEHART
MRS. CLARA JACKSON
MRS. J. M. KLOTSCHE

MILWAUKEE URBAN LEAGUE

Corner N. 9th and W. Vine Streets
MILWAUKEE 5, WISCONSIN
Telephone COncord 1970

January 29, 1945

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MRS. L. G. KRANICK
HON. MILTON MURRAY
MRS. HERBERT NEWMAN
MRS. HERBERT POLACHECK
MRS. JOSEPH PRYOR
MRS. I. SALTZSTEIN
REV. H. E. STEWART

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
FRED C. COGGESHALL
JOHN DUNLAP
MRS. MATTIE GANT
LLOYD GARRISON
FRED PABST

Mr. Langston Hughes
Parkway Community House
5120 South Parkway
Chicago 15, Illinois

Dear Mr. Hughes:

We are pleased to know that you accept an invitation
to be our guest at a Reception given in your honor when you
come to Milwaukee.

You gave us two possible dates and we have chosen Wed-
nesday evening, February 7th, from 8 to 10 o'clock. Invita-
tions are being sent out accordingly. Looking forward to
meeting you again, I am

OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

COMER L. COX
BOYS' WORK SEC'Y

MILWAUKEE URBAN LEAGUE

Corner N. 9th and W. Vine Streets
MILWAUKEE 5. WISCONSIN
Telephone COncord 1970

STAFF

MRS. CLARA BRUCE
OFFICE SEC'Y

THOMAS BARNWELL
CUSTODIAN

ASSOCIATE STAFF

March 5, 1945

Mr. Langston Hughes
634 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, New York

Dear Friend Hughes:

You beat me to the punch! I have planned each day since
you were here to write to you for the purpose of expressing
the gratitude not only of this office and myself personally,
but also of the many people who met you here on the evening
of February 9.

Your graciousness certainly was not lost upon the many
friends you made among both adults and young people. Some-
times I wish you were here to answer some of the questions
which have been asked me about you since you left. You have
much unfinished business in Milwaukee to be looked after when
you visit us again.

May I thank you again for having been so kind to us.

hva

MINNEAPOLIS URBAN LEAGUE

202 TIMES ANNEX MINNEAPOLIS 1, MINN.
TELEPHONE ATLANTIC 1412

EXECUTIVE BOARD

GUY ALEXANDER, PRESIDENT
CECIL E. NEWMAN, VICE-PRESIDENT
MISS HARRIET LANE, SECRETARY
LLOYD P. JOHNSON, TREASURER
REV. H. W. BOTTS
MRS. W. D. BROWN
TALMAGE B. CAREY
BRUTUS CASSIUS
CLARENCE R. CHANEY
MRS. JOHN COWLES
WILLARD ESAU

JAMES TAPLEY WARDLAW
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

January 13, 1949

EXECUTIVE BOARD

MRS. FERN HELM
HOWARD R. HUSH
RABBI ALBERT G. MINDA
MRS. MABETH HURD PAIGE
CLIFFORD E. RUCKER
REV. JOHN SIMMONS
R. A. SKINNER
DR. HOMER J. SMITH
THOMAS VENNUM
JUDGE EDWARD F. WAITE
JAMES WARD
MALCOLM M. WILLEY
THEODORE E. WOODARD

MR. LANGSTON HUGHES
C/O Chicago Defender
Robert S. Abbot Pub. Co.
3435 Indiana Ave.
Chicago, Ill.

Dear Mr. Hughes:

The Minneapolis Urban League is in the process of planning its 23rd Annual Membership Meeting which is scheduled to take place some time during the month of March, preferably the first two weeks.

I am in the process of exploring the possibilities of program content and this is to inquire as to whether or not there would be any possibility of your serving on such a program. If there is a possibility of your serving, please advise us as to the available dates and the required honorarium.

JTW:fah

AFFILIATED WITH NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE - A COMMUNITY FUND AGENCY

52

January 13, 1949

Mr. J. T. Wardlaw
Minneapolis Urban League
202 Times Annex
Minneapolis 1, Minn.

Dear Mr. Wardlaw:

I have your letter of January 13th and would be delighted to accept your invitation to come to the Minneapolis Urban League in March. A Friday date would be preferable for me, the 11th, 18th, or 25th as you choose. However, it could be some other night in the week at any time after the first week in March.

I expect to be in Chicago during March and April, so it would be quite convenient for me to run up to Minneapolis overnight. My fee for a single engagement would be $150.00.

I am not doing very much lecturing this season, but have been busy lately launching three new books which appeared within the month: my own poems, ONE-WAY TICKET; an anthology, THE POETRY OF THE NEGRO; and my translations of the poems of Nicolas Guillen, CUBA LIBRE. But during Negro History Week I will be making a ten-day tour covering North Carolina, Howard University at Washington, and ending in Boston.

Kindly let me know as soon as you have settled on a date as there are one or two programs pending in Chicago and I would not want them to conflict with yours.

LH-nvw

LINCOLNTON STA.

NEW BRUNSWICK URBAN LEAGUE

FOR EQUAL ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

122 NEW STREET

CH 7-9066

NEW BRUNSWICK, N. J.

## BOARD OF DIRECTORS

E. B. CHANDLER
Executive Secretary

ALICE J. ARCHIBALD
Executive Assistant

## Officers

Atty. Samuel M. Adler
President

Dr. E. Gaylord Howell
1st Vice President

Dr. Charles F. Marden
2nd Vice President

Julius L. Scott
Secretary

Maurice Aaron
Treasurer

## Members

Dr. Eugene E. Agger
Arthur Anderson
Richard Anliot
Dr. David Anthony
Mrs. Rodgers C. Birt
Rev. W. C. Cook
Rev. Rufus Cornelsen
Herbert D. Dailey
Mrs. Marguerite L. Eastmond
Warren Glaser
Joseph Hertz
Dr. Albert E. Jochen
George A. Kellogg
Rev. Jesse L. Lee
Dr. Collins E. Lewis
Frank E. Lyons
Dr. Herman P. Marrow
Dr. William J. Norton
Lorenzo Oakley
Harry Pearson
Dr. C. G. Peterson
Mrs. William Rieman, III
Mrs. Jane Rowe
Rev. Charles H. Shelton
James Twyman

Member Agency
United Fund
and
Welfare Council

An Affiliate of the
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

EBC:aa

6

25 March 1958

Mr. Langston Hughes
20 East 127 Street
New York 37, New York

Dear Mr. Hughes:

After talking with a good friend of yours-a schoolmate at Lincoln University, Oxford, Pennsylvania-Mr. Aldrage B. Cooper, also with Mr. Guichard Parris of the National Urban League, we are following their suggestion that we ask you to spend an evening with a group of us ( about 30 couples ) at a House Party. Thus, we are asking you to participate in our program in your own inimitable way.

Our organization is one of the smaller Urban League affiliates, and our financial position is rather miserable due to the failure of the local United Fund to reach its goal this year. Thus, the group mentioned above is planning to give a house affair from which we hope to realize a tidy sum to carry on the operation of the local Urban League. We are prepared to present a very moderate honorarium to you for your kindness in accepting our invitation.

We are planning this party for one of the following dates: Saturday, May 3rd, 10th, 24th, or 31st. The preferable ones would be May 10th or 24th. If the idea appeals to you, but the dates are not convenient, we could arrange another date that might be more suitable to you.

We should like to look forward to having you with us.

NEW BRUNSWICK URBAN LEAGUE

122 NEW STREET
NEW BRUNSWICK, N. J.

<table><tr><td>PRAY</td></tr><tr><td>FOR</td></tr><tr><td>PEACE</td></tr></table>

Mr. Langston Hughes
20 East 127th Street
New York 35, New York

May 12, 1958

Mr. Eric B. Chandler
The Urban League
122 New Street
New Brunswick, N. J.

Dear Mr. Chandler:

- It is kind of you to again invite me to come to New Brunswick and to suggest a week-end in September. However, I cannot commit myself for that period since there is a possibility that I will be going to England in the late summer to see my show, SIMPLY HEAVENLY, which opens in London soon. If I do go, I shall probably stay for two or three months, returning in November when I have a number of lectures in California. So, I will have to hold in abeyance any promise to come to New Brunswick.

- I am grateful to you for thinking of me and send you all my best wishes.

NEW BRUNSWICK URBAN LEAGUE

ERIC B. CHANDLER
Executive Secretary

CH 7-9066

NEW BRUNSWICK URBAN LEAGUE

122 NEW STREET

NEW BRUNSWICK, N. J.

19 June 1958

Dear Mr. Hughes:

We are indeed very sorry that your schedule is such that you find it impossible to arrange to be with us this Fall. We are extending an invitation to you to appear before some members and friends of our Urban League on some Friday or Saturday evening during the months of March or April in 1959.

We sincerely hope that we may have the very great pleasure of presenting you during the Spring season of 1959.

An affiliate of the
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

December 21, 1953

Mr. Edward S. Lewis,
The Urban League,
New York City.

Dear Ed,

I am happy to take part in your Negro History Week Dinner at the Hotel Theresa on February 15th. Thanks for your note.

And very Happy Holidays to you!

Mrs. Sophia Yarnall Jacobs
President

Dr. William H. Kilpatrick
Honorary President

Hon. Robert J. Mangum
Vice-President

Dr. Gardner C. Taylor
Vice-President

Mrs. Malcolm Crusius
Secretary

Richard Brennan
Treasurer

Joseph E. Davis
Associate Treasurer

Bernard Reswick
General Counsel

Edward S. Lewis
Executive Director

for equal opportunity

urban league of greater new york

MANHATTAN • BRONX • BROOKLYN • QUEENS

Central Office: 202 West 136th STREET • NEW YORK 30, N. Y. • AUdubon 6-8000

July 13, 1960

Mr. Langston Hughes
20 East 127th Street
New York, New York

Dear Langston:

The Fiftieth Anniversary Conference of the National Urban League is being held this year from September 2 - 8 at the Hotel Commodore in New York City.

On Tuesday, September 6th at 8 p.m. we are having a public meeting at the Community Church, 40 East 35th Street, New York City, with Dr. Martin Luther King as the principal speaker. The Program Committee joins me in extending a very warm invitation to you to be a participant on this program and to give one or more poems which you feel would be appropriate for the occasion. We expect to have an audience of one thousand people, and we feel that this will be an outstanding public event in the League's history.

Certainly I hope you will find it possible to accept this invitation.

ESL:wm

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE URBAN LEAGUE ARE INCOME TAX DEDUCTIBLE

R. MAURICE MOSS
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, URBAN LEAGUE OF PITTSBURGH
1300 FIFTH AVENUE
PITTSBURGH, PA.

April 1, 1943

Dear Langston:

I have your card which arrived just as I was about to
write you to say how well we liked your poem which was
read by Paul Muni on that radio program. In fact, we
are copying the last stanza (from OPPORTUNITY) for use
on our own monthly bulletin cover page for the April
issue. We hope you will like its presentation and will
be sure to send you a copy.

Unfortunately the Pittsburgh Community Forum is no
longer running and I can not get you a repeat engage-
ment there. But I have talked with the president of
one of the local colleges before whom we have presen-
ted speakers in past years and have this to offer:

He would be happy to have you appear before his student
assembly on Monday, April 26 at 10:30 A. M. for a half
hour talk. The maximum they can allow for such an en-
gagement is twenty-five dollars. But if, as you indi-
cate on your card, you are to be in this area on, or
very near, that date, we both thought you might consent
to take this assignment.

I have asked that the date be held open until I have a
word from you about it and so would appreciate a rather
prompt reply. Meantime, my personal regards and good
wishes ........

RMM:kle

634 St. Nicholas Avenue,
New York, New York,
April 2, 1943.

Mr. R. Maurice Moss,
The Urban League,
1300 Fifth Avenue,
Pittsburgh, Penna.

Dear Maurice,

Thank you for your kind letter. I am glad you liked my poem, FREEDOM'S PLOW, and am of course happy that you are using a portion of it on your monthly bulletin.

I would be delighted to appear before the student assembly you speak of if it could be arranged for Tuesday, April 26, since I am appearing in Cleveland on the Sunday of the 25, and it would be difficult to make an early morning engagement in Pittsburgh the following day. Or perhaps even better, the following Monday, May 3, as it appears now that I shall be kept busy in that region the entire last week of April, since several more engagements are coming in for Youngstown, Dayton, and around, pending fixed dates.

Kindly keep the fee which you mention entirely confidential since it is below what I usually ask.

With all good wishes to you, as ever,

P.S. Please give me an air-mail reply on the date, so that I may fit it in to my schedule.

634 St. Nicholas Avenue,
New York, New York,
April 7, 1943.

Mr. Maurice Moss,
The Urban League,
Pittsburgh, Penna.

Dear Maurice,

Tuesday, April 27 at 10:30 A.M. is O.K. I shall let you know
the exact time of my arrival later and trust you will kindly
arrange a stopping place for me overnight should I come in on
Monday. Not sure about that yet as an Oberlin engagement is
pending for Monday at the moment. I shall have to leave for
New York on Tuesday evening.

If you would like me to read poems perhaps at some school where
the kids are predominately Negro later in the day, O.K.

I shall have sent in care of your office a few of my books and
copies of my recent songs for those wishing to purchase auto-
graphed copies.

Saw Ann Tannyhill at the Carver Memorial where I spoke at Columbia
University last night. She spoke of you.

With very best regards, and thanks,

P.S. Would you kindly send a copy of the April INFORMER to Mr. Carl Van Vechten, 101 Central Park West, New York, New York, for the Yale University Negro Collection. And also one to Mr. Arna Bontemps, 703 East 50th Place, Chicago, Illinois, for a bibliography of Negro pamphlets he is compiling.

February 25, 1944

Mr. R. Maurice Moss
Urban League of Pittsburgh
1300 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dear Moss:

During my current lecture tour I find that I shall have
two days free between my appearances for the NAACP in
Morgantown, West Virginia on Wednesday, March 1 and my
engagement in Columbus for the Vanguard League the fol-
lowing Sunday, March 5. I am wondering if you might
know of any group that might like to have me read my
poems for them on Pittsburgh on the evening of Thursday,
March 2 or during the day or evening of Friday, March 3.
Since I shall be so near I can offer the very modest fee
of $25. On my way through from Cleveland I shall try
to phone you, or you could let me know in care of Mr.
Raymond Radcliff, Monongalia High School, Morgantown,
West Virginia where I shall be on March 1.

At any rate would you be so kind as to arrange a stopping
place for me in Pittsburgh for next Thursday and Friday
evening, since I have forgotten the address where I stayed
before and I imagine the hotels are as full and as bad as
usual so I would appreciate your kindness in this regard.
I shall hope to see you during my trip.

LH:mc

Postage due 3 cents

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Mr. Langston Hughes
c/o Raymond Radcliff
Monongalia High School
Morgantown, West Virginia

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William L. Brewster, Jr., President
James Hamilton, Vice-Pres.
Reverend L. O. Stone, Vice-Pres.
Mrs. Kenneth Smith, Secretary
Harry A. D. Smith, Treasurer
DeNorval Unthank, M.D.
Reverend J. J. Clow
Mrs. Clifford C. Walker
E. B. MacNaughton

Mrs. Elliott Corbett Roy Hill
Oliver Smith Don Green
Ed Benedict Kelly Foster

EDWIN C. BERRY, Executive Secretary

URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND

Designed to Aid the Community in the Process of Integrating Negro Americans

6 S. W. SIXTH AVENUE
Telephone BEacon 2401
PORTLAND 4, OREGON

"SHEDDING RAYS OF LIGHT WITHOUT SPARKS OF HEAT"

January 15, 1946

Dear Langston:

I am sending, separately, some materials for you to look over.
It may relate you to the local situation and help with your
address.

We are working extremely hard and expect to have a very good
audience for you. We are aiming at 1800.

Please don't forget that we are a new agency (8 months old),
struggling to become firmly established and for community recognition.
Anything you can work in about the League nationally and the Portland
League specifically will be helpful.

If you need any further information, just holler. Don't hesitate
to call (Collect) if you are in a hurry. I look forward to seeing
you again. If by any chance you have any time free between engage-
ments, Dot and I would be especially pleased to have you spend the
time with us -- just doing what you please. We are both working,
so you would not need to be disturbed much during the day. The
only catch in it is that you'd probably have to get your own lunch.

See you on the 22nd at the latest, and earlier if you can.

74

MEMBER AGENCY PORTLAND COMMUNITY CHEST

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

James Hamilton, Vice-Pres.

Mrs. Kenneth Smith, Secretary

Harry A. D. Smith, Treasurer

DeNorval Unthank, M.D.

Reverend J. J. Clow

Mrs. Clifford C. Walker

E. B. MacNaughton

Mrs. Elliott Corbett Roy Hill

Oliver Smith

Don Green

Ed Benedict

Kelly Foster

URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND

6 S. W. SIXTH AVENUE

Telephone BEacon 2401

PORTLAND 4, OREGON

January 15, 1946

Dear Langston:

I hope you can point out in your address:

1. Historical reasons for color-caste system in America.

2. Contradictions in our enunciated principles of Democracy and actual practices.

3. The folly of this waste and dissipation of a large block of Americans who are prevented from making their maximum contribution to America.

4. International implications.

5. Your suggestions of a way out; things to do: Negroes, whites, cooperatively.

These are just suggestions. You work it out to suit yourself. Illustrative poems cleverly blended will add variety and satisfy those in attendance who have come because of their literary interests.

The audience will be truly a cross-section of Portland. People will come from the exclusive residential districts, school people, business people, and in-migrant workers from the War Housing community.

There were extremely few Negroes in Portland before the war. They stayed quietly in the background of all phases of community life. Whites here are extremely naive about race. They need to see and hear outstanding Negroes often enough so they will cease to think of Negroes who have achieved as unusual. Negroes here have been so completely crushed that they need folks like you to bolster their ego and to give them hope.

I will plan to meet you at the airport at 3:55 on Tuesday, January 22.

b-r

74

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND

January 29, 1946

Dear Langston:

Folks are still talking about the meeting. Boy, you really
made an enviable impression! It was really a good job, well
done. We are all extremely happy about it, and look forward
to having you back again. It was a very real pleasure for
both Dotty and me to have you stop with us. We only wish you
could have spent a longer period.

I am enclosing clippings, and sending photographs, under separate
cover. One of the photos of yourself I am sending for your auto-
graph and hope you will return it.

Look, guy, you were over-paid $12 on the book deal. Both you and I computed 6 x $2 as $24.00. It is the first item on the bill. This little item naturally will not get by our auditors, so the only thing I can do is to shake you down for the $12.00.

Best of luck; don't forget my copies of "Jim Crow's Last Stand"
and "Madame Alberta K.". Regards to Francis, Kit, and the Pittsburgh
gang when you see them.

Enclosures

74

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Robinson, President
Clarence Ivey, Vice-President
Ulysses G. Plummer, Vice-President
Lawson McCall, Secretary
DeNorval Unthank, M.D., Treasurer
The Rev. Cornelius N. Austin
William L. Brewster, Jr.
The Rev. George L. Campbell
Mrs. Elliott Corbett

Jess Bell Mrs. Mary Duncan
Irving Enna The Rev. L. O. Stone
Mark Smith Mrs. Polyanna Reed
Francis J. Kern Robert Joyner, M.D.
Peter Gantenbein Will C. Davis, M.D.
Mrs. Marie Smith Mrs. Hilmar Grondahl

EDWIN C. BERRY, Executive-Secretary
E. SHELTON HILL, Industrial Secretary

URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND

Designed to Aid the Community in the Process of Integrating American Negroes

"NOT ALMS—BUT OPPORTUNITY"

6 S. W. SIXTH AVENUE

Telephone: B Roadway 2697
PORTLAND 4, OREGON

201 MCKAY BUILDING
408 S. W. THIRD AVE.

March 21, 1950

Mr. Langston Hughes
c/o CHICAGO DEFENDER
3435 Indiana Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Mr. Hughes:

I believe the attached statement is self-explanatory. I am sending it to you at this time with the request that you consider an article on the subject. Minstrels are standard equipment in many schools and many church groups. They are presented year after year, often with no malicious intent.

One of the things we have discovered, in our area, is that many Negroes have come to accept the black face minstrel. Some Negro leaders have given their stamp of approval when asked for opinion. This leads me to the conclusion that inept leadership is quite as destructive as dishonest leadership. We need education on matters of this kind - the type of education you do so well in your column.

The attached statement was prepared by our staff for local use after we inquired of several national intergroup-education agencies. No agency had a prepared statement. The Anti-Discrimination League and the American Jewish Congress are both using our statement in an educational campaign.

What I seek is not necessarily reproduction of this statement per se, but rather some similar treatment of the subject which will reach the largest possible audience. If you care to use any part of our statement, please do not hesitate. It may be edited in any way. We have no pride in authorship. We just want to get the story told.

ECB/rae
ENCL.1

The Urban League of St. Louis, Inc.

MEMBER OF
COMMUNITY FUND OF ST. LOUIS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BISHOP WM. SCARLETT, PRESIDENT
JAS. L. USHER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
MRS. JOHN A. HASKELL, SECOND VICE-PRES.
MRS. S. P. STAFFORD, SECRETARY
DR. W. P. CURTIS, TREASURER
JULIUS A. BAER
DR. H. S. BLACKISTON
FRANK E. BOWLES
G. D. BRANTLEY
BERTHOUD CLIFFORD
MRS. L. SIMINGTON CURTIS
MRS. ALICE DIEHM

3017 DELMAR BOULEVARD

ST. LOUIS, MO.

TELEPHONES

JEFFERSON 3820
JEFFERSON 3821

JOHN T. CLARK
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

MEMBER OF
SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL
OF ST. LOUIS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MISS L. R. ERNST
MISS VERA FLINN
REV. J. H. HORSTMANN
J. HUTTON HYND
MRS. A. S. LANGSDORF
THEODORE D. MCNEAL
DR. STUART A. QUEEN
SIDNEY R. REDMOND
MRS. ESTELLE M. RIDDLE
MRS. CHARLES W. RODEWALD
MRS. THURLOW SMOOT
MRS. ROLAND G. USHER
MISS SARA YOUNG

October 22, 1940.

Mr. Langston Hughes
c/o Mrs. Thelma B. Boozer
Amsterdam News
New York, N. Y.

Dear Mr. Hughes:

For several years the Urban League has sponsored annually an Exhibit of the work of Negro artists here in St. Louis which are giving us rich returns in creative paintings by Negroes. We have reached such development that last year our Exhibit hung for a month in our City Art Museum and will again be hung at the Art Museum this year. E. Simms Campbell has assisted greatly in helping to develop these Exhibits by giving an annual award in memory of his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell.

For the last five years we have been sponsoring a Literary Contest open to Negroes within the metropolitan area of St. Louis. These contests include short stories, poems and plays but we have not had much success with plays. We want to dramatize the poetry contest this year and we are wondering if a request for $10.00 as an award, for the best poem, from you would be asking too much at a time when money is scarce and our general future is uncertain. We would be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

JTC:D

MEMBER OF UNITED CHARITIES, INC.

C O P Y

1824 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, California
November 29, 1940

Mr. John T. Clark
Executive Secretary
Urban League
3017 Delmar Boulevard
Saint Louis, Missouri

Dear Mr. Clark:

I read with much interest of your plans for the
poetry contest for this year, and very much wish that I
was able to contribute the price which you require, but
I am still trying to catch up on the many debts incurred
during the long illness and death of my mother, and until
those are covered, I am, unfortunately, in no position to
aid not even so worthwhile a project as your own. I hope
however, that some other time in the future, I will be
able to do so.

Your letter has just reached me after several
re-forwardings, which accounts for my late answer.

With best wishes and regards to you, I am

LH/FMD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JAS. L. USHER, HONORARY PRESIDENT
BISHOP W. SCARLETT, PRESIDENT
G. D. BRANTLEY, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
MRS. JOHN A. HASKELL, SECOND VICE-PRES.
MISS SARA YOUNG, SECRETARY
DR. W. P. CURTIS, TREASURER
JORDAN W. CHAMBERS
BERTHOUD CLIFFORD
MISS L. R. ERNST
DR. MOYER S. FLEISHER

HONORARY MEMBERS

MRS. S. P. STAFFORD
REV. J. H. HORSTMANN

3017 DELMAR BOULEVARD

ST. LOUIS, 3, MO.

TELEPHONES

( JEFFERSON 3820
JEFFERSON 3821

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MISS VERA FLINN
WM. H. HUFFMAN
HOWARD V. E. HUNTER
J. HUTTON HYND
A. F. KOJETINSKY
MRS. A. S. LANGSDORF
HENRY V. PUTZEL
DR. STUART A. QUEEN
MRS. T. M. SAYMAN
MRS. L. BENOIST TOMPKINS
MRS. BLANCHE L. TUCKER
MRS. ROLAND G. USHER
DR. A. N. VAUGHN
BOYD L. WILSON

November 10, 1943.

Mr. Langston Hughes
c/o Chicago Defender
3435 Indiana Ave.
Chicago, Ill.

My dear Langston:

You have a digest of an article in The Negro Digest of the current month which is supposed to have been published in The New World from Toronto. I have had two of our friends to ask me to locate the full copy of this article - they were so much impressed with it. Could you locate the original for me and give us permission to reprint it here in St. Louis?

With many regards and good wishes, I am

JTC:G