14 Ludlam Place

Brooklyn 25, New York

March 19, 1945

Mr. Langston Hughes
634 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York

My dear Mr. Hughes:

The final meeting of the judges of
the best three plays of five selected
in the one-act play contest of the Teachers
Union has been set for this Friday.

If you can possibly come, we can settle
this vexing problem in one hour.

Place: Board of Education
110 Livingston Street
Office of Dr. Jacob Greenberg,
fifth floor

Time- Friday afternoon, Dec. 23, at
5 p.m.

If you must reach me, my telephone number
is INgersoll 2-9463.

Very truly yours,

3

Teachers Union

LOCAL 555, UPW-CIO

206 WEST 15th STREET, NEW YORK 11, N. Y.

Established 1916

President: Abraham Lederman; Legislative Representative: Rose V. Russell; Treasurer: Samuel C. Greenfield; Secretary: Celia Lewis Zitron

Vice-Presidents

Anne Morganstern, Elementary Schools; Ella Ratner, Junior High Schools; Eugene Jackson, High Schools; Irving Glucksman, Vocational High Schools; Joseph Bressler, Colleges; Adele Lithauer, Private Schools; Samuel Wallach, Organization

May 3, 1949

Mr. Langston Hughes
International House
Chicago, Ills.

Dear Mr. Hughes,

I am writing to you in behalf of the Harlem Committee of the Teachers Union. We who teach in the schools of the Harlem community and are interested in its problems are deeply disturbed about certain recent developments. We feel sure that you must share this concern.

On April First Governor Dewey hastily signed the Feinberg Regents Subversive List Bill, at the same time that the State Department of Education was engaged in preparing a brief against the bill and the *New York Times*, *Post*, and *Tribune* were editorially opposed to it.

The Feinberg Law, which authorizes the Board of Regents to dismiss teachers affiliated with "subversive" organizations, will inevitably be directed against those teachers who are most active in combatting discrimination in education. The character of the Board of Regents itself supports this conclusion. Recent events in the institution on the outskirts of Harlem, C.C.N.Y., also indicate this. Despite widespread protest by the student body and many civic organizations and community leaders, the College Administration has supported Mr. Knickerbocker, an anti-Semite, and Mr. Davis, who segregated Negro students. Contrast this with the dismissal of Dr. Lee Lorch of the Mathematics Department, who has been active in public campaigns against segregation as vice-chairman of the Town and Village Committee to End Discrimination in Stuyvesant Town.

It is heartening to note that leaders in Harlem recognize the menace of the Feinberg Law. In the State Legislature all but one of the State Senators and Assemblymen representing Harlem districts voted against the bill.

Affiliated with: New York State Industrial Union Council, CIO; Greater New York Industrial Union Council, CIO; New York Women's Trade Union League; National Education Association

115

1

Teachers Union

LOCAL 555, UPW

Established 1916

President: Abraham Lederman; Legislative Representative: Rose V. Russell; Treasurer: James Nack; Secretary: Celia Lewis Zitron

Vice-Presidents

Mildred Garvin, Elementary Schools; Clara Rieber, Junior High Schools; Eugene Jackson, High Schools; Irving Glucksman, Vocational High Schools; Vera Shlakman, Colleges; Adele Lithauer, Private Schools; Samuel Wallach, Organization; Samuel C. Greenfield, Vice-President-at-Large

November 26, 1951

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

Dear Mr. Hughes,

As a feature of Negro History Week the Harlem Committee of the Teachers Union annually holds a public meeting attended by many teachers and parents of the community. These affairs are intended to stimulate interest among teachers in the cultural contributions of the Negro people, in the history of the Negro, and the current problems of the Negro.

Our meeting this year is planned for the afternoon (about four) of Thursday, February 14, 1952 in the auditorium of the Countee Cullen Library, 104 West 136th Street, N.Y.C.

We would be very happy if you were able to speak at this meeting.

If any other time around Negro History Week is preferable to you we would be glad to make the necessary arrangements.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Yours very truly,

Berruca Kesselman

Bernard Kesselman, chairman,
Harlem Committee

116

Teachers Union

LOCAL 555, UPW

Established 1916

Vice-Presidents

WATKINS 4-5524

December 13, 1951

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

Dear Mr. Hughes,

Thank you for your propmt reply to our invitation to
our Negro History Week Celebration.

As preparation for Negro History Week we are publishing
for teachers and parents a four page supplement for an issue
of our weekly, *Teacher News*, on Negro history.

This supplement will contain material for teachers on
Negro history, reference sources, bibliography, reviews,
pictures, etc. In addition we will devote some space to the
vigorous campaign we have been conducting to increase the em-
ployment of Negro teachers in the public schools of New York
and to secure the elimination of bias and prejudice in school
books.

As part of the supplement, which will be distributed to-
upwards of ten thousand teachers, we plan to have greetings and
statements from prominent educators and writers.

We would appreciate it very much if you could send us
such a greeting or statement on Negro History Week for this
special supplement.

sent "American Heartbreak"
"Prelude To Our Age"

115

Teachers Union

LOCAL 555, UPW

Established 1916

President: Abraham Lederman; Legislative Representative: Rose V. Russell; Treasurer: James Nack; Secretary: Lucille Spence

Vice-Presidents

January 9, 1952

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

Dear Mr. Hughes:

Each year since 1937, the Teachers Union of New York has brought together at its Annual Educational Conference, two thousand or more teachers, parents, and other citizens concerned with the problems facing our educational system.

On Saturday, April 5th, 1952, at its Sixteenth Annual Educational Conference, to be held at the Hotel Commodore, the Teachers Union will again turn the spotlight on the critical issues which confront the schools today.

There will be four morning panels dealing with such topics as the freeing of the schools from religious and political controls, and the effects of hysteria and thought control on teachers, children, and minority groups. In the afternoon there will be a general luncheon session in the Grand Ballroom. The enclosed copy of last year's program will give you some idea of the character and scope of our annual conferences.

We are eager to have you speak on April 5th for we know that those who attend have much to gain from a presentation of your ideas.

We would appreciate your letting us know soon whether you can participate as a speaker at the conference. If you find it possible to do so, we shall send you more precise details about the subjects of the panels, the exact time, etc.

AL:LA
Enc.

115

115

Teachers Union
OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

EST.1916

206 WEST 15th STREET

NEW YORK 11, NEW YORK

TEL: WATKINS 4-5524

President Abraham Lederman • Vice-President Harry Starfield • Legislative Representative Rose V. Russell • Secretary Lucile Spence • Treasurer Mildred K. Garvin

October 27, 1954

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

Dear Mr. Hughes:

On Sunday afternoon, November 21, public officials and other notables - distinguished educators, clergymen, civic and trade union leaders - will join with some 2,000 teachers, parents and just plain citizens, in honoring Rose Russell at a Reception to be held at the Hotel New Yorker. This occasion marks the completion of ten years of her exceptional service in the fight for better schools for all the children and for a better America.

Rose Russell's brilliant and untiring efforts have won the respect, admiration and affection of countless people. Perhaps you know her personally and have worked with her. Perhaps you have seen her in action in Albany or at City Hall or the Board of Education, or in one or another of the numerous professional, civic, inter-racial, labor, or parent-teacher organizations with which she has cooperated. Or you may know her through some of her incisive analyses and eloquent pleas at public hearings, conferences, conventions, and meetings, large and small. Or perhaps you have read her pamphlets, briefs or other writings, or read about her in the press, or heard her on the radio or television.

Whatever the circumstances of your acquaintance with Rose Russell's work, and even if you disagree with her point of view, we feel certain you will agree that she well deserves the tribute we now pay her. We would be honored, and we know it would make her proud and happy, to have you join with us in saluting her. Whether or not you can attend in person, we would like to include a message from you in an album of greetings that will help to make this a memorable occasion for her.

We should like to have your message as soon as possible, and also to know whether we may expect to have you with us on the twenty-first. Won't you please return the enclosed card soon? We hope your answer will be "Yes."

AL:jb

ftul/1283

Enc.

29

EST.1916

206 WEST 15th STREET

NEW YORK 11, NEW YORK

TEL. WATKINS 4-5524

115

March 1, 1956

Dear Mr. Hughes:

"It is for us the living...to be dedicated...to the unfinished work...The great task remaining before us...that this nation shall have a New Birth of Freedom."

These stirring words of Abraham Lincoln have been chosen as the theme of the Twentieth Annual Educational Conference of the Teachers Union, to be held on March 24th at the Hotel Biltmore, New York City. We believe they are especially appropriate in a year which has seen such an upsurge in the struggle to free our nation's schools from the evils of segregation and in the efforts to remove the incubus of McCarthyism from the intellectual, cultural and political life of our country.

The program, which consists of four panel discussions of current educational problems, followed by a plenary luncheon session in the Grand Ballroom, will also celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Union.

Each year the climax of the conference is the presentation of the Teachers Union Annual Award for distinguished service in the cause of education. This year the recipient will be a Negro student who typifies the many valiant people involved in the historic fight to end school segregation. She was a plaintiff in one of the school desegregation test cases decided by the United States Supreme Court.

In connection with the afternoon ceremonies, we plan to read greetings from well-known educators and public figures. It will give us great pleasure to include a message from you on the theme of our conference, or on our fortieth birthday.

May we hear from you soon?

AL: jw
ftul/1283

32

Teachers' Union
OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

EST.1916

206 WEST 15th STREET

NEW YORK 11, NEW YORK

TEL. WATKINS 4-5524

115

January 8, 1957

Mr. Langston Hughes
c/o Mrs. Harper
20 East 127th Street
New York, N.Y.

Dear Langston:

You can't blame us for hoping, and trying again, to have you
as one of our main speakers at the Union's annual educational
conference and luncheon, which is to be held this year at the
Hotel Biltmore on Saturday, April 6. The enclosed copy of
the 1956 conference program will give you an idea of what an
exciting and inspiring event it was.

We would like you to speak at the luncheon session in the
Grand Ballroom. There will be one other speaker and the
presentation of the Union's annual award (the winner not yet
determined). Do say yes!

I am enclosing a copy of this week's Teacher News, which has
a notice of the February 9 program at Hunter College. Our
yearly Negro History Week Supplement which goes to press in a
week or so has a piece on your "Pictorial History of the Negro
in America."

One of these days I'm going to get you to autograph my copies
of "I Wonder as I Wander" (which I'm now reading and enjoying),
and the Pictorial History.

Harris and I were so delighted to run into you again, even for
those few minutes, at Madison Square Garden last spring.

With warmest regards.

RVR:hkb
Encs.
ftul/1823

115

EST.1916

February 1, 1957

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

Dear Langston:

Our Negro History Week supplement has been sent to the people you suggested. Did you see the nice play the Amsterdam News gave it this week? We've been getting compliments and requests for copies from all over the country not only from alive and historic Birmingham but also from such out-of-the-way places as Concord and Barnesville, Georgia, and Wewoka, Oklahoma!

Your projected book on Famous Negro Heroes sounds exciting. It's badly needed, and who could do it better than you?

As to your giving up speaking after this season, why not round it off with a talk to 2,000 teachers at the Hotel Biltmore on April 6? Each one represents a fanning-out of influence among hundreds of pupils, parents and other people. You wouldn't have to "prepare" anything. Just be yourself, and I know you will leave them with that glow that comes from enhanced understanding.

You see, I can't quite give up the hope that you can make it. If you expect to be away from the city then, we'll pay your travel expenses from wherever you are and back again, as well as a lecture fee. The luncheon session of the conference is from 1 to 4 o'clock, and you would not have to speak more than fifteen minutes. Forgive my importunity, but perhaps you don't realize what a tremendous impact your talk would have on northern teachers who have suddenly waked up to the fact that their lives too must be changed by the Supreme Court decision.

Say yes - if you possibly can.

RR;hkb
ftul/1283

116

President Abraham Lederman • Vice-President Harry Starfield • Legislative Representative Rose V. Russell • Secretary Lucile Spence • Treasurer Mildred K. Garvie

May 7, 1957

Mr. Langston Hughes
c/o Mrs. Harper
20 East 127th Street
New York 35, N. Y.

Dear Langston,

In case you missed it, here's a copy of last week's
Teacher News with a four-page supplement on our educational
conference.

Did you ever hear Father Shelton Hale Bishop? He is
magnificent - like an avenging angel. Unfortunately we did
not have room for his entire speech but The Churchman of
May 1 has the complete text. It is worth reading and spread-
ing far and wide.

I hear you're going to be on Mike Wallace's NIGHT BEAT on Thursday of this week. I'm going to enjoy that. I am scheduled to be on his program next Wednesday, May 15th. I don't expect to enjoy that quite so much since I look forward to it with some trepidation.

All the best.

RVR:hkb
ftul/1283
enc.

IL

March 4, 1959

Dear Mr. Hughes:

It gives us great pleasure to invite you to be our
guest at the Twenty-Third Annual Educational Conference of
the Teachers Union. The conference will be held on Saturday,
April 11, 1959, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

As in the past, three morning panels will be fol-
lowed by a luncheon session in the Grand Ballroom. Both
the panel discussions and the main, after-lunch addresses
will be devoted to the vital problems confronting education
today. The conference will be attended by about two thousand
teachers and parents.

Introduction of our distinguished guests will be a
feature of the luncheon program. We should feel honored to
include you among them.

To help us make arrangements in good time would you
return the enclosed reply card quickly?

IA:hkb
ftul
enc.

we have a wonderful program
lined up. Do try to come,

card returned
no-report

September 28, 1960

Miss Leona Abrams,
Teachers Union,
206 West 15th Street,
New York 11, N. Y.

Dear Miss Abrams:

I would be delighted indeed to
be a guest and read a few of my poems
relative to teachers at the afternoon
honoring Rose Russell, Lucile Spence,
and Abraham Lederman on October 23 at
the Hotel Commodore. Please let me
know what time the program will begin.

With cordial regards,

SS

EST.1916

206 WEST 15th STREET

NEW YORK 11, NEW YORK

TEL. WATKINS 4-5524

115

September 30, 1960

Dear Mr. Hughes,

We are happy indeed that you will participate in
the tribute to our Union leaders on October 23rd. Your poems
about teachers will, I know, delight everyone.

The program for the afternoon begins at 2 PM.
For the first half hour people will have the opportunity to
renew old friendships and meet the guests of honor. At
2:30 PM they will be seated at tables for coffee and cake.
The "formal" part of the program will start at 3 PM. When
it is completely worked out, I shall send you further details.

We would be delighted if you would join us for
the early part of the festivities.

Thank you for sending the photograph and bio-
graphical sketch. They will be most useful in preparing
material for the next issue of Teacher News.

I look forward with great pleasure to meeting
you on October 23rd.

LA:hkb

115

October 26, 1960

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

Dear Mr. Hughes:

Everyone agrees that the Salute to Three Leaders
on Sunday afternoon was a heartwarming affair.

We were deeply moved by your part in the recep-
tion. You stirred us to laughter and tears with the stories
of your childhood and the reading of your poems. Two of the
poems are reproduced in the October 29 issue of Teacher News
(enclosed). The other two will appear in the next issue of
the paper.

I know I speak for all of us when I say thank you
for helping us make the reception a memorable occasion.

LA:hkb
enc.

January 23, 1961

Dear Rose:

I certainly would like a dozen extra copies of the
TEACHERS NEWS excellent Negro History Week supplement on
the next run. And I'm grateful for the very nice review
of my BOOK OF NEGRO FOLKLORE. If not already done, please
send a copy to my collaborator: Mr. Arna Bontemps, Fisk
University Library, Nashville 8, Tennessee; and one to the
publishers: Dodd, Mead and Company, 432 Fourth Avenue,
New York 16, N. Y. (Attention: Allen Klots).

An error in the question box: I never had a Pulitzer
Prize. For awards, see blog sheet enclosed. "The Spingarn
Medal for 1960" is correct.

I'll maybe make a little list of folks to receive the
Supplement later---rushed on a deadline (as usual) right
now. My recent trip to Nigeria threw me back!

68

EST.1916

206 WEST 15th STREET

NEW YORK 11, NEW YORK

TEL. WATKINS 4-5524

115

April 11, 1961

Mr. Langston Hughes
20 East 127th Street
New York 25, N. Y.

Dear Langston,

There are two notes I want to ask you to write -
one, a greeting to the Teachers Union's 25th Annual Educa-
tional Conference to be held on April 22 at the Waldorf
Astoria, and the other to my god-daughter, who wrote the
enclosed poem.

First, as to our "silver jubilee" conference, I'll
let you in on a secret: We're giving our Award this year to
Lawrence Reddick, who will link up Africa, the Confederate
Myth and the New Frontier in his acceptance speech. Doesn't
it sound exciting?

If you are going to be in town on the 22nd, we would
love to have you come as our guest. Can you? But we want a
message in any event. (We received a beautiful greeting last
week from Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, among other notables.)

As to my second request: a letter from you to my
god-child, Elizabeth Rose Milvy, would send her to the seventh
heaven. She is a first year student at the Elizabeth Irwin
High School. When her class finished its study of the Civil
War, each student was assigned a subject for a poem. My Liz
drew the topic "voting," and I think her effort (after the
pedestrian introductory stanzas) shows remarkable maturity
for a 13-year old. Also considerable Langston Hughes influ-
ence - which isn't surprising, for she is a great admirer of
yours. Her address is 11 Riverside Drive, New York 23. ✓ You
will write to her, won't you?

With warm regards,

RVR:hkb
enc.

July 14, 1961

Bastille Day.

Dear Rose!

I didn't get that note written
to Elizabeth Rose until just now. But it's
gone.....I'm rushing like mad to make an
August 1st book deadline---jacket's made
but book's not done! (Help!).....If you
are in town and free Friday, July 21, or
Monday, July 24, come hear my "race problem"
opera, THE BARRIER, conducted by Maurice
Peress at NYU's new air-cooled Student
Center at 8:30 as part of the University's
Free Summer Concert Series. It should be
good. (MULATTO in music form by Meyerowitz

Cordial regards,

115

EST. 1916

206 WEST 15th STREET

NEW YORK 11, NEW YORK

TEL. WATKINS 4-5524

March 28, 1962

Dear Langston:

The Twenty-Sixth Annual Educational Conference of the Teachers Union has taken as its theme - OUR GOAL FOR EDUCATION IN THE 1960's: "*Let Each Become All He Is Capable Of Being*" (the motto of the New York State University). The conference to be held at the Waldorf-Astoria on *Saturday, April 14*, will be attended by about 2,000 teachers.

Four panel discussions in the morning will be followed by a luncheon session in the Grand Ballroom where the speakers will be Professor H. H. Wilson of Princeton University; Mr. Arna Bontemps, the noted writer and historian who is also librarian at Fisk University; and Mr. Joseph Papp, founder and producer of the New York Shakespeare Festival. Mr. Papp will receive the Union's annual award for his distinguished service in the cause of education, culture, freedom and the arts.

One of the highlights of the afternoon proceedings is the presentation of greetings from distinguished educators and public figures. It will give us great pleasure to include a message from you.

May we hear from you soon?

Sincerely,

115

EST.1916

206 WEST 15th STREET

NEW YORK 11, NEW YORK

TEL. WATKINS 4-5524

President Abraham Lederman • Vice-President Harry Starfeld • Legislative Reserves to the Ross V. Russell • Secretary Lucille Spence • Treasurer Mildred K. Garvin

February 11, 1963

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

Dear Langston,

It gives us great pleasure to invite you to be our guest at the Twenty-Seventh Annual Educational Conference of the Teachers Union, which will be held at the Americana Hotel on Saturday, March 23rd. The conference has as its theme, EDUCATION AND THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE. An attendance of over 2,000 teachers is expected.

Three morning forums will be followed by a luncheon session in the Imperial Ballroom. Both the panel discussions and the after-lunch addresses will be devoted to vital problems affecting education today.

The speakers of the afternoon will be His Excellency, Gershon Collier, Ambassador, Sierra Leone Mission to the United Nations; Dr. Walter Crewson, Associate Commissioner for Elementary, Secondary and Adult Education, State Department of Education, and Dr. Harold Taylor, eminent educator, author and lecturer, past President, Sarah Lawrence College.

We take pride in announcing that Dr. Taylor will receive the Union's annual Award for his distinguished service to the cause of education, intellectual freedom and peace. This will be the highlight of the afternoon.

Introduction of our other distinguished guests is always another feature of the luncheon program. We would be honored to include you among them. We hope you can be with us on March 23rd. To help us complete our arrangements in good time, would you return the enclosed reply card quickly?

RR:AL

enc.

77

EST.1916

206 WEST 15th STREET

NEW YORK 11, NEW YORK

TEL. WATKINS 4-5524

115

Dear Sir (or Madam):

Enclosed is a copy of this year's special Negro History Week supplement to our weekly publication, Teacher News. The material, prepared by our Committee Against Discrimination as our Union's contribution toward a successful celebration of Negro History Week, has as one of its main purposes the presentation to teachers and others of significant but too frequently obscured facts about Negro history. If you can use additional copies, you can call for them at our office, or communicate with our office and they will be sent to you promptly and without charge.

Each year since we began to issue these annual supplements, we have received valuable suggestions and criticisms from those who have seen them. We would appreciate any comments you may wish to make on this year's issue.

AL:Jb
ftul/1283

enc.