Handler, M. S. "Negro G.I. Hailed by Urban League."
New York Times, August 4, 1966. P. 6.
The Urban League's 56th annual convention provided the opportunity for the organization to
praise the African-American soldier without officially taking a position on the war in Vietnam.
Separate resolutions were passed both praising the G.I.'s for fight for equality by proving
their loyalty, and one denouncing the wars effect on social programs in the United States
and the disproportionate numbers of African-Americans killed in Vietnam. The resolutions
fell short of the efforts put forth by David Rusk (Secretary of State Dean Rusk's son)
who wanted a full out condemnation of the war, similar in tone to SNCC and CORE. The
resolution was defeated in part due to the financial implications sure to follow
(such as a loss of tax-exempt status due to the organizations status as a non-political
action group).
|
