Mrs. Albert Hirsh

3344 Charleston

Houston 21, Texas

April 21, 1960

Dear Misses Stephens, Nance and Broxton:

I have just heard of the situation you and your fellow students are in, from the SCEF group and I want you to know that all of you are very much in my thoughts, and those of my family. We admire you for the way in which you have actively engaged in the battle for equality and first-class citizenship. No words can possibly tell you just how much. Nor can you know how greatly you have influenced others by your courage. When someone like me hears of the punishment you are taking for standing up squarely to what is actually OUR responsibility it makes us, in our shame, gather up a little more courage ourselves so that we make speak up a little louder and give of ourselves a little more tirelessly to this cause of decency and fairness for all.

In other words, be assured that your actions have sent out ripples of inspiration [throughout] the entire country, and know that while your stay in jail is not desirable in any way, it is not for nothing!

Very sincerely, 

Mildred Hirsch