"Fort Carson's Racial Harmony Council: Ethnic Groups at
Army Post are 'Keeping It Together'." Commander's Digest.
Vol. 12, no. 2. Washington, D. C. GPO, May 18, 1972. P. 6-7.
SuDoc No.: D2.15/2.
The Fort Carson Racial Harmony Council was created after a conflict
at Fort Carson, Colorado, between African-American soldiers and white
military police. The Council was responsible for creating a "safety
valve" for tensions on the base. Some of the methods used to achieve
this included the creation of an "International House" that served
ethnic food and provided alternative entertainment. A clothing store
called "Ebony to Ivory" was established, courses on African-American
Studies were introduced, and national speakers such as Julian Bond,
Leroi Jones, Roberto "Corky" Gonzales, and Dick Gregory were invited
to speak at the base.
FULL TEXT
"Fort Carson's Racial Harmony Council: Ethnic Groups at
Army Post are 'Keeping It Together'." Commander's Digest.
Vol. 12, no. 2. Washington, D. C. GPO, May 18, 1972. P. 6-7.
In the hot summer of 1970, racial tensions were high at Ft. Carson,
Colorado. A confrontation took place between black soldiers and white
military police at the huge Army post near Colorado Springs. From that
conflict emerged Fort Carson's Racial Harmony Council.
The council was established to identify and solve race-related problems
before they erupted into violence. Unlike other post councils, the
council is appointed, not elected.
The biggest problem, says Major General John C. Bennett, Commander of
the post and the resident Fourth Division, "was to get enough black
militants on the Racial Harmony Council." But, he adds, "We got them.
We don't put Uncle Toms on the council."
Some members of the council view themselves not so much as "black
militants" but rather as activists who "wanted something that could
work within the system" but that would not just "white wash" the
problems. The first order of business for the group, following its
establishment, was developing common objectives.
"When we catch things, we are quick to voice them, and action is
taken to stop them," says Specialist Five Bill Manning, a former
co-chairman of the council. "We are sort of like a pressure valve
for the brothers. When they have a problem, they can come to us and
let off their tensions and know that we will find a way to try to
solve the problem."
The council has launched a number of innovations. It has been in the
forefront of setting up seminars for individual units, and arranging
for full-time counselors. At a time when "black" items were non-existent
in post exchanges, it advised the PX on items needed and wanted by
blacks. It initiated classes in black and chicano history, and
suggested books on racial problems, for the post's library.
A special club, designed to appeal to minority soldiers, was
established in 1971 and named the International House. It specializes
in soul food and in Mexican, Chinese and other ethnic dishes as well
as standard fare. Appearing frequently at the club are bands featuring
a variety of music and black entertainers. The post exchange cafeteria
also features a special soul food main dish every day.
Other innovations inspired by the Racial Harmony Council were "Ebony to
Ivory," a men's clothing store, and a book store stocking a large
selection of books on minority life-style and culture.
Two education courses in black studies are now offered to Ft. Carson
soldiers by local colleges, and the chairman of the black studies
department at one college has been a guest speaker at council meetings
and has discussed racial problems with officers at a "Commander's Call."
Correspondence courses in black history are also available.
Black history is an important element in the racial harmony program,
according to council members. "We think that a man should know some of
the contributions which his people have made to society," one member
said during a recent "rap session." "Knowing some of the good things
which he can be proud of helps to build a sense of pride and often
eliminates an inferior feeling which a lot of the brothers have."
The council is not composed solely of blacks, however. There are
chicano and white members who are equally involved in "keeping it
together." Working closely together they have approached the key
problem--the problem of communication - in a number of different
ways.
Rap sessions with Ft. Carson's commanding general is a major avenue
which enables the council to assist in easing tensions. Discussions
of current problems are frank. The Army's Chief of Staff, General
William C. Westmoreland, sat in on one of the sessions and said that
he came away with a better understanding of the problems which exist.
The council also launched a national speakers program, featuring such
well-known personalities as Julian Bond, the black legislator from
Georgia; Leroi Jones, the playright; Roberto "Corky" Gonzales, the
chicano crusader for migrant farm workers, and actor and civil rights
worker Dick Gregory.
"People respond to prestige names and publicity," said a former member
of the council. "For a long time the audience has heard us saying what
the speakers say, but the speakers provide credibility. The next time
we come around, more people are willing to listen to us."
Another council innovation was a series of three black plays,
presented in the post little theater. Members of the council also
brief all newly-assigned personnel arriving at Ft. Carson on the
council's role and the services it offers.
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