March 25, 1960

Dear Pat, 

I know it's impolite to begin a letter this way, but as you don't know me, I'll tell you that my name is Judy Spitzer. I am a senior at Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest New Jersey; my home is in Haworth.

Tonight I picked up the paper (The NY Post) and as I skimmed through it, I just happened to read Jackie Robinson's column, and as you know, there was your letter.

I realize that I still haven't told you why I'm writing to you, and I'll try to explain, although I'm still not sure myself.

You see, next year I'll be going to college. I hope to spend a very happy, or at least useful four years in college. And I became very annoyed while reading your letter, not annoyed, but angry, to think that someone who have to stop that education to sit in some jail somewhere because, well, someone didn't like the color of her skin. I know that sooner or later, Pat, somebody has to do it, and that's what makes me mad. You should be proud that you were brave enough to be one of the ones to do what had to be done - it's the fact that someone has to [do] that is so wrong and quite [incomprehensible].

What I guess I really wanted was to tell you that somebody else somewhere is proud of what you are doing - and sure that you are doing what is right. Perhaps if you have some extra time, when you're not studying or something, could you write and tell me