634 St. Nicholas Avenue,
Apt. 1-D, c/o Harper,
New York, New York,
January 27, 1942.

Mr. William Alexander,
Office Civilian Defense,
DuPont Circle Building,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Alexander,

On Saturday I posted you my script, BROTHERS, as written especially for the "Keep 'em Rolling" program at your and Bernard Schoenfeld's request. I have tried to meet your requirements, namely that it suit Mr. Rex Ingram and Mr. Canada Lee, and that it serve as a builder of civilian morale. Since I have heard a great many adverse comments from colored people concerning other radio programs about Negroes which failed to touch at all upon any of their current problems in relation to the war, I thought it might be wise to let us not to attempt to hedge concerning the vast gulf between the democratic utterances and undemocratic actions that take place in this land of ours regarding colored people. But I have tried to present as strongly as possible the arguments as to why we must all pitch in and help win this war. I would very much appreciate your comments on the script.

I would also like to know whether or not there is any one in New York in charge of the program with whom I might discuss it. You promised to ring me up and let me know. Or does Mr. Schoenfeld himself come over every week-end? If so would it be possible to have an appointment with him?

Today under separate cover I am sending you a copy of a song of mine, THE NEGRO SPEAKS OF RIVERS, that has found much favor with both white and Negro hearers, as sung by Etta Moten all over the country, and by Roland Hayes (in another musical setting). It has been set to music by several composers, but I think this is the best of them. It is certainly my best known poem and has been reprinted in dozens of languages all over the world. Since it mentions Lincoln, and since it seemingly expresses a deep Negro emotion, I thought it might be perhaps suitable to your program, and I would be happy to have it used thereon, in case you think it would fit. Let me know so I can get a clearance on the poem from my publishers who, I am sure, will grant it willingly, and without fee.

If you are having copies of my script made, I would appreciate it if you would send me a half dozen or so. I have shown it to Mr. Walter White of the NAACP with whom I had dinner the other night, and to Mr. Roy Wilkins of THE CRISIS who is interested in perhaps publishing it, of course, after the program is over, in case you would not object.

It was nice meeting you, and I hope I shall have that pleasure again.

Sincerely yours,