February 21, 1960

My Dear Priscilla and Patricia:

We were quite excited Saturday after hearing that you two were among the several who were jailed for having staged some demonstration there in Tallahassee. Your Mother was very much upset for a while and was not eased until she had contacted you.

I wonder if either of you has counted the cost. I know that you feel that you are doing a grand and noble thing, and looking at it from one point of view, you are making some [headway]. Remember this, if either of you get into trouble, the very people you think you are trying to help would never lend you a hand. The facts are really this: About 10% or 15% of our race are just about ready for what you are trying to accomplish; the other 85% or 90% don't care, are not at all interested, and would do nothing to aid the cause. They had just as soon walk all over you and even curse you for trying to help them. The great majority of them don't want help and wouldn't know how to appreciate anything you will have to suffer to accomplish. Yes, I know it looks big and you feel like you are doing something, but stop and take stock and put the matter in the balance. Right now you stand chances of being expelled from school, as FAMU is a State School, run with State Funds, and dictated to from the State's governing powers. This might lead to your not being able to get employment anywhere in the State, unless you have money enough to open your own business, but right now all of us are living from day to day with [no] preparation for a tomorrow - financially nor for business. This thing could even come to the point of me losing my job - I do work for the County and the State you know, - and I am too old to look for any type job now, nor would anyone employ me at my age. You may come out all right, but on the other hand you stand a great deal to lose and nothing to gain but a [short-lived] satisfaction.

The thing both of you should consider is to get through College, or get an education, make a place in life for yourself where you can be [self-sustaining]. You have this great opportunity now, so take advantage of it. Stop leaving too much to chance.

I know that both of you are going to do what you want to do. I think I know you that well. All I can say to you is to weigh the matter, consider all that might be affected, and then do what you are going to do. I know neither of you think that Daddy Marion has any sense, but he has lived in this world a long time and what you are now doing is nothing new to him.

Patricia, I apologize, the shoe brush walked back.

Priscilla, I wish to thank you for your lovely letter.

Love, 

[Signature] Daddy Marion